run, rabbit, run

On a trip to Blenheim today, Caleb decided to go off on his own. He was determined to get back to the train station, so he could see the engine again, but missed and ended up on the far side of a massive field, nearly getting as far as the main road. His lucky parents were keeping a reasonably close eye on him and we still have no idea how he got passed us. There was a back way and he was spotted climbing a fence near a cafe, but it wasn't on any obvious route. Maybe that's how he did it - by not planning. It was a sobering reminder of why he is different. We always encourage ourselves with the thought that it is unlikely anyone would abduct a child with Downs Syndrome, but the other side of the coin is the need to check the ponds and to catch up with him before he makes it to a main road. At least we still feel we deserve the disabled parking badge.

Contrasts

It is strange to see bright sunshine outside our back door and to hear of deep snow elsewhere. Even more dramatic was the change from summer last week to winter this one. It is so easy to find in this a source of complaint (certainly I prefer summer!), but it is bizarre that everyone interviewed seems to moan. I wonder if too many of us are like this - complaining as a matter of course. I've become very short fused when my children moan - is this just me moaning back, I wonder, or am I being a wise parent. Certainly my experience of moaners is that they drain everyone's energy and gain nothing themselves. Why then is the church often seen to eb full of them, I wonder? Maybe it is not any more full than anywhere else - it's just that everywhere is full of them (or us?). Please God stop us moaning.

Any chance?

I'm left wondering today of there's any chance I'll finish my latest portfolio. You may have noticed the lack of blogging over the weekend (though I doubt it as no one has ever left a comment - how dull am I?). It was due to busy-ness. Saturday we had one child in France, another at a friend's party and the rest of at my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. Sunday we had Alison running the Reading half marathon. And Monday just disappeared into the ether. And there the reading sits, waiting for me to attack it and make sense of it. Not only that but I cannot just read - Oxford Brookes, in their wisdom, require something practical as well. But, because it's an MA, it has to be practical and academic - not for me a Bible Study outline, oh no, not good form. So I've gone for some form of original research. This time is an assessment of the mission of a diocese, based on two interviews and the official documentation. Except that the two interviewees live 300 miles away. Phone? Please pray...