Dear Extroverts

Dear Extroverts,

Please shut up, read this and then go away...

“There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.” Susan Cain

 “Let’s clear one thing up: Introverts do not hate small talk because we dislike people. We hate small talk because we hate the barrier it creates between people.” Laurie Helgoe

 “Evangelicalism has taken the Extrovert Ideal to its logical extreme…If you don’t love Jesus out loud, then it must not be real love. It’s not enough to forge your own spiritual connection to the divine; it must be displayed publicly.” Susan Cain

 “Introverts, in contrast, may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pyjamas. They prefer to devote their social energies to close friends, colleagues, and family. They listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation. Susan Cain

“…because I rant not, neither rave of what I feel, can you be so shallow as to dream that I feel nothing? ” R.D. Blackmore

Thanks, I love you really - I'm more like you than you realise. 

The beauty's in the detail right?

Remember the days when the smallest thing was the most fascinating thing ever?

Remember the days when what is now commonplace was o so amazing?

Remember the days when what is now a nuisance was actually something you excited talked about for weeks?

This week I had a twenty minute conversation with an 8 year old about the wonders of flying economy class...

"You have a TV in the seat in front of you! And you can watch anything you like, even Horrid Henry. And there's a thing for your drink by your arm. And  tray that goes in front of you like this. And they bring you really good food - two lots of food. Lunch and dinner. And they bring you pillows. And they bring you drinks. And there's even something to put your feet on."

All this from a child I who usually only answers my questions with "Yes" or "No." It's in the detail.

Remember when the world was fascinating?

This week I'm looking into the detail of everyday life to rediscover childlike wonder.

Satisfied in You

I have lost my appetite 
And a flood is welling up behind my eyes 
So I eat the tears I cry 
And if that were not enough 
They know just the words to cut and tear and prod 
When they ask me “Whereʼs your God?” 

Why are you downcast, oh my soul? 
Why so disturbed within me? 
I can remember when You showed Your face to me 

As a deer pants for water, so my soul thirsts for You 
And when I survey Your splendor, You so faithfully renew 
Like a bed of rest for my fainting flesh 

When Iʼm looking at the ground 
Itʼs an inbred feedback loop that drags me down 
So itʼs time to lift my brow 
And remember better days 
When I loved to worship You and learn your ways 
Singing sweetest songs of praise 

Let my sighs give way to songs that sing about Your faithfulness
Let my pain reveal Your glory as my only real rest 
Let my losses show me all I truly have is You 

So when Iʼm drowning out at sea 
And all Your breakers and Your waves crash down on me 
Iʼll recall Your safety scheme 
Youʼre the one who made the waves 
And Your Son went out to suffer in my place 
And to show me that Iʼm safe 

Why am I down? 
Why so disturbed? 
I am satisfied in ou

Other People's Emails

Every now and again I get emails from Betty.

Subject: From Lanzarote

Hi there
Island tour was great yesterday. The semi live volcano was fantastic. The restaurant there cooks their food over the heat from the volcano. During one big eruptions during the 17th 18th century the only building left standing was the church with the priest inside, who survived. Perhaps it was a good idea you were reordained! After the heat of the volcano we went to a cooling Aloe vera plantation
Did you try to ring us the other day? We didn't have our phone on.
Don't know if you have left for HK yet Rachel, hope all goes well.
Luv
M & D xx

Subject: From Lanzarote

Greetings from Lanzarote. Hope your flight went well Rachel and you are not working too hard! Think we told you about our Montanas del Fuego volcano trip, since then we have been to the yearly Carnival at Puerto del Carman and had a great evening. Costumes unbelievable and so colourful. Procession startedat 5.30 pm and ended at 11.30 pm. Only 150,000 locals live on the island and we think most of them were in the procession!!
Hotel great, trying hard to limit food and drink intake. Not easy! Will have to diet on our return.......
Love to both of you
M & D xx

Subject: From Ditton

Hope you had a good journey home and trains were on time. Lovely to see you over the past few days, we both enjoyed our time with both of you.
Found Rachel's green jacket behind the bedroom door. Popped it in the post today. Addressed it to Dundas Street as it wouldn't go through the letterbox and expect you'll both be out when it arrives.
Enjoy your week..............
M & D x

I've tried letting her know that unless I'm very much mistaken I'm not her daughter but to no avail. You gotta love other people's emails. 

I am a Pilgrim

I am a pilgrim.

A resident alien.

Wandering and seeking.

Journeying onward.

Step after step...



Come join the song. 
Don't forget your dancing shoes.