Family

If you are related to me and you see the heading 'Family,' you are probably saying, "What's he going to go on about this time?" Well, I am going to go on about family. Probably in a bit of a long-winded way. My wife and I have shifted back to Masterton after fourteen years in Napier. They were enjoyable years, mostly. Back here we somehow feel that we have arrived home. Certainly my Christian journey while in Napier was interesting. I went through stages; Progressive Christianity, Sea of Faith and the go to Church, sit in the pew, listen to a sermon, sing a few hymns, say the Lord's prayer and then go back to the 'real' world once again stage. Somewhere along that road though I met my Lord. It was not a massive burning bush, or bright light experience, but rather a series of small 'things'; prayers becoming meaningful, peace that would regularly envelope me while reading the bible, the words 'He walks with me and He talks with me' coming into my mind. I knew they were words from a hymn, but it was one I had never never sung or seen. The tune 'given me' was also correct. Tears now pour from my eyes whenever I sing Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art. Gradually I gained a compelling urge to tell people about God; to do God's will. I felt God's blessing upon my writing. Then, I discovered Creation Science Evangelism and Answers in Genesis and became a Creationist. The interesting point is that while people accepted my Christian position, they baulked at Creationism. How can you be a Christian, accept the bible as the word of God, but not believe what it says? So where does family come in? Well on Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday, I went to services at the Masterton church I had attended fourteen years previously. Although I am now older, (state the obvious Jim) with an earring, moustachioed with a goatee beard, and very long hair in a pony tail, I was welcomed back with hugs and opened arms. I don't think they realise how much of a prodigal son I feel.