Today we trekked to North London for our first visit to the SA's divisional office there (It looks after the whole of Central London). I had an interview relating to my application to Salvation Army Officership.
Now, I'm blogging about this so, if, in three weeks I'm panicking and changing my mind, I can remind myself of the surity, the sense of rightness and calling that I felt today.
For those of you who are not offay with the SA's interesting venacular, Officership means Ordination, being a vicar/minister/pastor-type person. (yes, in a few years I will be able to marry all of my friends). To do this in the SA, you have to train for two years, usually at our training college here in London.
I've been thinking about this since I was 17, so I guess its not a big shock. I think the main thing that strikes me is that, over the years, I have become quite ambivalent about it. Sometimes feeling frustrated that it will stop me from doing stuff. Sometimes terrified that I was signing my life away. Sometimes overwhelmed with the commitment or responsibility or rammifications.
Anyway, today I just felt overwhelmed with a real sense of calling. As I answered questions about my life, my journey up until this point, my passions etc. It was like things fell into place. I no longer felt annoyed that this was what I had to do, but instead really excited, amazingly privileged and thrilled about what the future will hold.
It'll be a few years yet. God is doing amazing stuff at work and in Wandsworth, and I know there's more of that 'here' stuff for me to be involved in before I head up those steps and begin my training... but just as a forward planning thing, if you want to put the third Saturday in July 2011 in your diaries... In theory I'll really be 'Vicki of Dibley' then. Yey!!!
Blessings, crazy woman....
:0)
Posted by: Eleanor Burne-Jones | September 25, 2007 at 08:38 AM
Such good news! :-)
Posted by: Johnny Laird | September 25, 2007 at 09:48 AM