Parties

Simple but effective, Pads' party was a success. Before the mob put paid to three very large pizzas (if you look too carefully you can see that Ellis is enjoying the pepperoni one), I took the opportunity to thank his mates for being a reason for wanting to go to school. Just a few years ago he seemed too strange (or something) for anyone except Harri to bother with him much - the thaw set in and now he has a healthy circle of friends who are a pretty splendid bunch actually. But, in mentioning them, I must also pay tribute to everyone in Ysgol Mynydd Bychan who has contributed to making the school a safe and happy environment for him to dip into whenever well enough.
Last night was our Christmas friends and neighbours evening and we were delighted to welcome so many to our home. It was a particular honour to have Mr Higham give a message from 2 Corinthians 8:9 about the riches that the Lord Jesus laid aside to come to save us. I was left gasping at how clearly the good news was set forth - it was like a laser beam - glorious! Introducing him I fluffed my lines (twice!) - what I meant to say was something like this: that Pastor Dewi had providentially been on hand the night that Pads went under to have his drain fitted. Pads was scared and asking for the Pastor who got to the ward, having just come out of leading the Wednesday night meeting, just in time to pray with him. I wanted to say thank you to all the people in the room (but that can include you too now!) who have supported us in whatever way this year past. It has meant a tremendous amount. But the plea from Pads' heart to see the pastor (who has also supported us wonderfully throughout) is indicative of the simple fact that we have souls. As amazing as all the gifts and treats have been, and promise to be, too many to mention, they can only raise a smile for a moment. In this materialistic age I wonder if you have observed that, or if, as it seems so often, you are content with riches that fade/rot/can be stolen in the end. Or do you have a sense that your soul has needs too? How much consolation can the prospect of a holiday, for example, be, when in distress...? Perhaps for 'soul needs' you think I refer to the love of family/friends, or a gasp of awe at the wonder of nature or some effect of music... but, as precious as these are, even these are second best compared to knowing the God that made you, knowing that 'underneath are the everlasting arms': it is in and with these 'things of God' that our Pastor and his father deal - truly they are worthy of 'double honour'. And if you say, 'well, that's lovely for you', or 'we'll all get there in the end', that only confirms that you have missed or avoided my point and likely there is no true spiritual appetite in you. It may sound 'back to front' but my heart-felt advice would be to call on God to give you that spiritual life - he will not turn you away, if you avail yourself of his Son who 'is able to save to the uttermost that come unto God by him' (Hebrews 7:25). It can, it must, be 'lovely' for you too. Well - that was one of my more 'productive' coughing fits! Now back to bed.