my image of the Church

Church. 

What image comes up in your head?  A building? Home? Warmth & Love? Responsibility? Guilt? Pressure? Redemption? Joy? Anger? 

I asked a number of people to tell me the immediate word that comes to mind when I say the word "church".  It was quite fascinating how the answers differed - but somehow a thread ran through most, but not all of them. 
, 
That thread was almost like "a place of sanctity" ..... a place that is always there, 24/7, always welcoming no matter how little we visit or if we forget to visit.  A place where we go to ask for guidance, forgiveness, wisdom, answers, direction.  A place where we can express heartfelt joy, disappointment, anger, confusion, weakness, strength and intense longing for something we find ourselves always chasing. 

The only place where you actually can, at some times, step into and be the only physically present person there, however you are never alone.  The only place where you can speak out loud when you are alone, but are not speaking to yourself only.  A place where you can take everything about yourself in total honesty without worrying about judgement, just you and God. 

My church represents all that to me.  The most blessed thing is the fact that we have Perpetual Adoration, and whilst I share my hour with 3 or 4 people who pop in and out, I am able to, every day, go and sit there and talk to God.  He may scold or frown and other times not give us an answer.  He may sometimes say No, when we want him so desperately to say Yes, but no matter what, He looks down on me with infinite love and I always leave with the great certainty that no matter how desperate my life may seem ..... He has never let my hand go. 

How blessed am I. 

Christ the King Catholic Parish
Queenswood, Pretoria 

till soon 

c'est la vie xxx 

chefs academy, italy and moms

So after completing her 3rd Commi practical training at a brilliant restaurant in CT, and before returning home to graduate, my daughter, also referred to as chefgirl or the shorter child, was offered a position as a demi chef at that same restaurant, to return to once she had been home to graduate and spend time with us.  

I am delighted for her to have been offered a job based on her performance and dedication during her practical period.   Why couldn't she have been less spectacular?

I am delighted that she gets to return to CT, where she still wants to see so much of it.  Why can't she just be happy with Pretoria and day trips to nearby cities and landmarks?

I am thrilled that she gets to share a flat with a friend whom she gets on so well with.  Why can't she just sleep in her room in our house? 

I know she is following her dream and doing so in a fantastically talented way.  Why could she not have wanted to be a dog walker.  

I am happy that there is in fact an airport in CT and one in Jhb and many planes between the two.  Why could she not be in a place that I could drive to in 30 mins, or even better, walk? 

Never mind .... all the latter parts of the statements above are said in jest (not) .... I wish her joy and love and passion and chef adventures and when she travels to Italy in October to take up her prize as the top student ..... why could it not have been to Durban?  


whahahahah 

Watch her catch her dream ....  and I am delightedly proud of her and her tenacity.

Love you chefgirl

Mom xxxx