So… Eastbourne!

08 Sep So… Eastbourne!

We’re moving. Again. But this is the big one.

My brillaint and amazing wife has been appointed as the new Vicar of St John’s Meads. Even writing those words still feels a little unreal. This is something we, rather, SHE has been working towards for years:  Five years of training, and if you add in the discernment process that began before that, it is closer to seven. It’s been a really long journey which has weaved itself into the fabric our daily life our family, our routines,  our friendships and especially our sense of home.

I’ve been experiencing a proper plethora of emotions over the last 6 months as we have been looking for the right post. We’ve been up and down the country and experienced disappointment, hope, anger, despair, joy and lots of trepidation. But from the moment she was offered the role it has mostly been relief and celebration.

But… And it’s a significant but (my 10 year olds would probably be snickering if they read this)…This is the beginning of the main event because these last 5 years has been about preparation – the foundation for what now lies ahead. This is where the main ministry begins.

Everything changes and soon! The shape of our family life, the shape of Ruth’s vocation, the shape of my own calling  all of it is opening out into something new. Schools, routines, our home, our community, our way of life… trepidation indeed.

The biggest thing I’m feeling is pride! I am so proud of Ruth for what she’s achieved. I’m genuinely worried I’ll be a blubbering mess at her installation service (no date yet). But this is HER ministry. SHE has put in the most work. She has given herself to the process, carried the weight of study, reflection, placements, essays, and the uncomfortable stretching that comes when you step into a new identity and let yourself be formed by it. Obviously I’m not gonna ignore that this has been a family journey too. Every move, every late night, every shift of plans has been something we have all lived through together. The kids may not see it that way yet, but one day I hope they will look back and recognise that their mum’s journey into ministry shaped all of us, and that they also carried their own a parts of it – I’m super proud of them too.

At this point I realise, I may have been painting quite a negative picture of all this. I don’t mean to do so. I just want to acknowledge the long journey and sacrifices we’ve made together. Anyone else who’s done this knows. It’s a bit like having kids or getting married – you can’t know whats its like fully unless you’ve lived it. Overwhelmingly, we are actually super excited.

One thing that really sweetens the whole deal of us is the setting. We are going to live by the sea!!!! I still find myself saying it out loud sometimes because it does not quite feel real. Ever since leaving Ireland 30 years ago there has been an ache in me for the coast. Ruth and I used to laugh about how amazing it would be if one day we ended up by the sea. We joked about it because it seemed impossible and yet there we will be. It feels like a gift. And when I say “by the sea” I mean like a 5 min walk from our front door!

I keep going back to the day of Ruth’s interview. While she was with the panel I walked down to the seafront. I stood looking out over the water and prayed. It was a simple and honest time with God. Giving everything back to him and fully submitting to his will – whatever that was to be. Experience has taught me that this is a dangerous thing to do – completely submitting because He WILL take you up on it and ruin all your plans but His plans have always proven to be waaaaay better. He is already out ahead of us. On that day, the Word For The Day was “John 20:21” which was convicting and encouraging:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMIGPd4oVZmHIgD3a0OVlbOsUxZ0VL-JrpSJK00

So this is where we are. At the close of one long journey and the start of another that feels bigger than anything we’ve experienced before. We’re anxious and hopeful all at once. We’re excited and nervous but I think we’re ultimately grateful for the chance to step into something that feels like a blessing and a calling all rolled into one.

So… Eastbourne. The Robinsons are coming!