Day by day I am learning to see (really see) others as Christ would want me
to. I see the rich talents people at St. Oswald’s have been blessed with. I
see the rich talents my husband and my children have been blessed with. At
the most unexpected moments – the most ordinary times, I am whacked by
the Holy Spirit and tears leak out. Sitting with 4 other women at one of the
Lenten reflections on an ordinary Monday evening, I paused and stilled my
mind and almost wept at what God was doing. We were there, 5 very
different women, sharing stories and a cup of tea, laughing, identifying with
one another, loving each other, seeing each other as Christ would have it –
and it was good – very good. What a blessing each are. How very grateful I
am. Then taking that blessing home and with those who I know well, who
have shared so much of me and with me and seeing them with the eyes of
Christ in me.
As with all families, there is responsibility. For me this is true as a member of
the children's team and as part of the Vestry. As a very new member of the
Vestry, I have a lot to learn, but God is guiding me, showing me what His
Will is. Agreeing to become part of the Vestry was an important step, one
that I didn’t take lightly, but I did take it ‘in faith’ – obeying Gods call. For me,
being a vestry member is an expression of my relationship with God. It is
about offering up the God given gifts I have, adding prayer, discernment and
reflection. I have to be grounded in the Holy Spirit and explicitly seek God’s
guidance in this new role. I have to work in partnership with all Vestry
members, and of course Lesley –Anne, as Priest in Charge.
I have to be ‘responsible to and accountable for’. But what a privilege to be
part of this community – this family who get to intercede and hold up Lesley
– Anne and Ashley and all members of St. Oswald’s. Who collectively seek
to discern Gods will for St. Oswald’s. Who collectively seek how to serve and
wash the feet of others.
As I grow in knowledge and faith, as part of the St. Oswald’s family, my
newly found Abba Father is pouring out His blessing, not only on me, but
also on my household.
As I grow deeper in my identity as His daughter, I learn to relate to my
church family and earthly family through new eyes, through new ears,
through a deeper sense of His Holy Spirit.
For this I am very grateful, to God, to Lesley-Anne and to each and every
member of my new family at St. Oswald’s.
Thank you all.
Linda Allan
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