Happy New Year.

Happy NEW  Year everyone!

Wow, what an unimaginative way to start a blog, but I guess the sentiment is true so I’ll let it stand. The truth is, I’m a virgin blogger – this is my first ever attempt at writing a blog and so I’m not really up to speed on the witty, insightful and creative things that hallmark so much of this literary form – let’s hope that comes later!

OK – so why a blog? Lots of reasons – I’m sure I’ll unpack them in the course of the year but for now just a flavour ....

Firstly – it’s a NEW year and I want to do something new. Those of you who know me will recognise this passion for starting things (alas I’m not always great at finishing stuff and so if this blog peters out in February you know I don’t lie). New things and ideas really stimulate me and doing something I’ve never done before is my idea of heaven. Today is the day for resolutions – of course I’m going for the obvious ones – pray more – sin less – lose weight – be a better person ..... but resolution speaks to me not just of ‘resolve’ (to come to a definite or earnest decision about something) but also of re – solutions to old problems – that’s new solutions to things that have been troubling us in the past. I much prefer this interpretation of the word and want to commend it to you. Let’s not just get stuck in the static and predictable ways of change (the problem with resolutions is that if you break them once it’s over ... and you have to wait until next year to start again) – but I want a more dynamic and imaginative approach (something more to do with living life goals that adherence to concrete laws). This leads me to my second reason to blog.

(Secondly) – I want to lay down a record of what my life is like over an extended period – to track my efforts of finding re (or new) solutions to my life. I’m setting myself the goal of keeping this blog going for a year (after that who knows?). As I say, I’m planning to do this mostly for my own benefit, but also for the benefit of anyone else who may be interested. – I’d like to set out as honestly as I can what makes me tick – what it’s like for me to be a husband - father – son – priest – boss – friend, follower and disciple of Jesus Christ ... . On the face of it I’ve got a very exciting year ahead of me personally and for all of us at St Thomas/St Peter’s. I’m looking forward to going to new places, meeting new people, exploring new opportunities, and embracing new responsibilities. With all these things comes new challenges and undoubtedly new failures – the blog will be there to record them all!

There’s more to it than this but that’s enough for now – it’s the start of a new year – one of my favourite days in the whole year because one can indulge oneself in intoxicating thoughts of unending new possibilities - Carpe diem everyone and have a great year!