Aslan is on the move

“It was a full moon and, shining on all the snow, it made everything almost as bright as day — only the shadows were rather confusing.” CS Lewis, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

It feels as freezing as Narnia these days, and yet, there are changes afoot… These changes mean that in one month’s time, I will be in a new home and a new job. There is a lot to sort out, and yet, in the middle of the never-ending ‘to do’ list, I’m reflecting on what these big changes mean. In a way, opportunities have presented themselves over the last few months that I hadn’t planned or looked for, but, putting one step in front of the other, and following where God seemed to be leading, I have been brought to this point. And I’m beginning to be excited.

“Aslan is on the move…”

While it’s icy outside, I feel there is Spring in the air as I’m contemplating what lies ahead. Of course, always with the Lord, you never know fully, or even partially, what lies in store. When we are in the hands of the living God, nothing is easy, cosy, or secure. I find that he allows us to experience confusion, obstacles, even desolation, and that these are truly for our own good – we’re in his hands:

“If there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most, or else just silly.”

I’m excited about starting work. I’m going to be working as Director of Evangelisation and Discipleship at St Elizabeth’s, Richmond. The post has been created to help the parish “move intentionally from maintenance into mission”, and some of the objectives include that every parishioner become an intentional disciple of Christ with a personal commitment to mission, and that every aspect of the life of the parish be put on a missionary footing. Well, why not aim high and expect great things from God?! I can’t wait to get to know people in this parish community. Already, there is a growing community of young people coming to the parish on Sunday evenings for the student Mass. But I can’t wait to meet everyone: families, elderly, young, rich, poor. How does God want to call us into mission? How does he want to use this community of people to bring Jesus outside the walls of the church?

It sounds like there is a huge potential. Without a doubt, there will be ups and downs, highs and lows, beautiful moments of God’s blessing, and moments when we screw up. Right now, I am so joyful at being in the hands of the living God and knowing that he wants to do great things through us.

One of my favourite quotes from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is this:

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion.” “Ooh” said Susan. “I’d thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”…”Safe?” said Mr Beaver …”Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

There have been difficulties over the last week (now solved thankfully) in finding a flat, and I have greatly experienced the awesomeness and goodness of God. When we are anxious, afraid or stressed, it is then that we realise we are not “safe” – that when we gave ourselves wholeheartedly to God, there was no contract which gave us financial security or guaranteed a roof over our heads. Sometimes, God allows us to experience the vulnerability of a life that is surrendered fully to him with no “fall-back”. But, oh how good he is! How I would choose him every time over property of my own or heaps of savings. For, “he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

So, friends, I hope you will continue to join me on my journey back to London and the next stage of the adventure! Richmond, here we come…