WHO AM I?

1. Who am I?
I'm so calm, they say; confident and cheerful,
sure in every way.
Ah, but am I really so secure? Whoever I am, dear God,
you know I'm yours.

2. Who am I?
I'm different than they say —
got a restless heart that's aching, so wearily I pray;
I'm like a bird that's caged behind closed doors.
Whoever I am, dear God,
you know I'm yours.

3. Who am I?
Am I one or two?
Full of strength, or weakness?
Am I false or true?
Though I never understand my flaws whoever I am, dear God,
you know I'm yours.

Based on what I think is a remarkable poem by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. It's included in the collection Letters and Papers from Prison. That such an outstanding man - pastor, theologian, writer, leader - should feel the same self doubt as the rest of us is a comfort for all ordinary struggling Christians who are uncertain about their identity. That God knows us as we are is an even greater comfort.

30.9.24

Back from a Break

During September, Dorothy and I travelled
to Norway and the UK.

After long flights
- Adelaide to Melbourne,
Melb to Dubai (14 hrs),
Dubai to Oslo (7 hrs) -
we did Norway in a nutshell
from Oslo to Bergen, then
the Hurtigruten Cruise
up the west coast of Norway
and back again.
Then an 8 day Trafalgar tour
and 4 days in London,
before taking the direct flight
(16 3/4 hrs)
from Heathrow to Perth.
We're a bit tired (!) but we'll still be a part
of the LWA convention and the
General Convention .

See some of you there.