Kilimanjaro

I hear a team of “celebs” have just got back from a 7 day gruelling trek up this big phat mountain. It was clearly a huge challenge. They slept little, dealt with altitude sickness and no doubt a lot of gutsy kinda stuff (not the standard stuff of celeb lifestyle...although they did have their own tents and tables portered up!). I’m sure they’ll never forget it and they apparently came back well and truly “bonded” as such activities do effortlessly.

To be honest I'm a little jealous! Not simply at the adventure itself (although I’d love to do such a thing), but at the sense of purpose and fulfilment of people together on a mission. Relative strangers, a bunch of misfits they came away comrades from a gruelling yet worthwhile mission (and £1.5m or so in the bag for african kids and the like)

Aren't we supposed to be living like this? Maybe not quite so intense (or at such altitude!)...NO...actually I think it IS supposed to be intense! I crave a real purpose in community and hunger, thirst and seek for where it is. Maybe I'm sat in it oblivious coz it's actually my young family that doesnt appear so "radical adventure" (yet kinda IS!). Or is it forming as my church wrestles to find it's new manifestation and form and me my place in it? Or is this my recharging & schooling period prior to a return to RO. Or is it waiting to be found elsewhere. God - open my eyes to see I ask.


Later comment from a wise woman:

I relate to your comments in your blog about being part of a team although maybe not climbing a mountain with my joints! I don't know if you've ever watched the 'making of' videos of the Lord of the Rings films. Watching those gives me the same kind of longing for being part of a team, with each person excelling at his part and completely signing up to an overall driving vision. Each person that they interview on these clips, knows what part they play and whether it's small or large, practical or creative, leader or follower they fit into their slot with pride and passion and communicate that they are an integral part of the whole. I know we're all part of the vision of the Kingdom, but I need that broken down into something more specific and focused that I can feel a vital part of. So much of the time I feel superfluous, optional or just unsure!I too pray that God will open my eyes to see what I'm part of and what my part looks like.