Going away

Today, I am heading for a retreat. It's enforced, as it's now part of the training program for ministry training.

I am quite cynical about imposed retreats (what, just retreats, I hear you cry!), as what would work for me may be completely different to what would work for others. That said, I understand having some sort of retreatful discipline is good for everyone, so I want to go with an open mind. Having seen the timetable, I am struggling - a talk on the Oxford Movement anyone? - being just one example.

So, as I head off I hope the drive there will clear my head and while I am away I will be refreshed.

Support networks

As part of my training, it's important I have support networks. Some have been formally put in place by 121. Others, are my friends and family. Guess which are more useful???

An offer of support, for me, is empty if it's not followed up by action when asked - and I don't ask for help maybe as often as I should. I have experienced this recently from a couple of these support networks. I eventually obtained the one thing I needed from on of these supports, but I am still waiting to be kept informed of what's going on by the other, despite repeatedly asking to be kept in the loop (a loop which revolves around, you've guessed it, facebook!).

Sorry this is a bit woolly, but it's necessary. I suppose it doesn't help I'm feeling a bit tired and could do without the various placement things I have to do this week. As a commenter said, there are time when in ministry I will feel like this and the challenge is to keep going.

I'll get a break from uni and placement at Christmas, though. At least the exams are before we break up. It'll fell weird not working over the Christmas holidays, as I have not done so for a very long time. What exactly do people do over Christmas and New Year that they can't do any other time of year? I need to find out so I know where to avoid!

Anyway, with God as my support, everything else is optional anyway.