This Made My Day

My Granny gave me a manicure set when I was sent away to Boarding School and I have treasured it ever since. It encouraged me to take care of my nails and hands. Some of you may know that my husband tells me, frequently, that he loves my hands and feet, and is convinced I should have been a hand and foot model. It's a bit late for that now!

I've been following a manicure set on ebay which included a pretty nail buffer (which was not part of the original set) and am happy to say that I was successful in the bidding. What was quite unexpected was the communication that ensued at time of payment. An easy email conversation arose as a result and I sent the sellers a link to this blog. They, confessing never having read a blog but enjoying their visit, agreed that if they couldn't trust a vicar, then who could you trust? The items went in the post before the payment was received.

We live in a time when trust has been frequently superseded by fear and suspicion, and, sadly, this state of affairs subtracts from our com-union one with another.

This truly unexpected episode has but a spring in my step. Many thanks!

Weekend Achievements III

One of the reasons for the mini gathering at the weekend was to talk about the forthcoming wedding. There's just so much to organise. We are very thankful for all the preparations that are already underway in Salisbury. The Church is booked, though the emails and calls to the vicar remain unanswered. The venue for the reception is sorted, and so too are the caterers.

Two wedding mags were brought by Ruth for us to peruse. Well, what an industry has been created around the 'Big Day'! Some choices are quite mad in my opinion. Why give favours of any type to those who are attending - these are rather like party bags from children's celebrations, but at even greater cost, and probably quickly forgotten by the recipient?

We happened to get chatting to a couple over a cup of coffee today. They told us that she had been unable to get a wedding dress in the three months they had between the proposal and day. You apparently need at least six months to get a dress sorted. Why? This was a few years ago, but it's the same today for Ruth.

In my role I have conducted quite a number of weddings. One or two have been great occasions, which have been significant moments for the couples which I know they will treasure throughout their marriages.

Some have been quite different. Occasionally, the little bridesmaids or page boys are children of the bride, and would not be prized away from their mothers skirts, causing all kinds of chaos. I remember one of the first I conducted the video man set up a huge tripod which towered behind and above my 5ft 1in being. There was quite an exchange to get it moved before the service began. Each incident, and there have been many, equips the vicar in a new way - always on the learning curve!

There's a beautiful prayer from the marriage service that, from time to time, I have encouraged those being married to include in their service sheets so all present can participate in:

God of wonder and of joy;
grace comes from you,
and you alone are the source of life and love.
Without you, we cannot please you;
without your love, our deeds are worth nothing.
Send your Holy Spirit
and pour into our hearts
that most excellent gift of love,
that we may worship you now with thankful hearts
and serve you always with willing minds;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

It's my prayer for my son and his bride that their preparations will run smoothly and that they'll not be distracted by those things that are unnecessary for their Wedding Day.

Weekend Achievements II

Meal times have always been central to our family life. We have always gathered around the table to share food and talk about the day - and - decisions are best made on a full tummy.

We ate well throughout the weekend. One course we had was a wonderful bowl of queenies on a rocket salad with balsamic glaze. Yum. Though the glasses are empty they were frequently being refilled.

Queenies are a delicacy of the Isle of Man. In or out of season (ours had been frozen) these tiny scallops are gorgeous. A favourite family grace is

Come Lord Jesus be our guest
and may our food by you be blessed.