An M-Day tale

I thought I was going to be doing my first shift as a Sunday School helper today, after being co-opted onto the roster a few weeks ago. In fact, I'd received a phone call yesterday arranging for me to swap with someone due to do it in a a couple of weeks. My working theory (*grandiosity included at no additional charge) is that my mind is so vast that, even travelling at the speed of light, information from my past experience cannot always reach the part of my brain doing current planning. [cough.] Anyway, I had headed off to church this morning expecting some serious cutting-and-pasting.

Earlier this morning however there had been an “interaction” between me and our housemates. Today is Mothers' Day in the South Pacific, and I believe the States, but not here. Calling of mothers was in order. Nick and Hayley had been out last night and quite reasonably had thought Bronwyn and I had made our calls then. As it turned out I hadn't. Anyhoo. An interaction became an exchange. (Physically I may have “low tone", but verbally...) Ultimately, I did try to ring but could not get through. Unfortunately I then left for church on, “I don't have time to discuss this now."

Sitting through the worship time on autopilot, feeling less than good about how I'd behaved. (Bronwyn doing an excellent job of leading on her own, from the guitar—she'd been at church preparing during all of the above.) Feeling like I'm not in a space to take communion, but then it's time for Sunday School to go out, saving me the decision. As I'm on my way out I realise suddenly I'm not on Sunday School, and I sit back down somewhere else, confusing Bronwyn.

As the communion was being handed around I slipped out the back of the church, confusing Bronwyn even more with a simple, “I've got to go. I'll explain later.” Walked back home. Apologised for my behaviour and sorted things out there. Back to church in time to catch the end of what seemed to be an interesting sermon, by a visiting couple from India.

Mum, I never did get through to talk to you on the phone today. But know this: 10,509 miles away, on the other side of the world, I am the man I am today because of your loving nurturance. Thank you for introducing me to Jesus, who is leading me to be a person I could not be by myself. I pray I can be the man you dreamed for me. Thank you for your love. You have mine and nothing will change that.

So the moral of the story: Live within easy walking distance of church?