Roller Coasters

I remember taking Lois on the roller-coaster. I didn’t want to go, but Lois, aged about seven at the time, would have none of it! It was okay. In fact I quite enjoyed it. The initial fear was replaced by mild apprehension which turned into a pleasurable ride.

That’s how I feel right now on the eve of another trip to India. This time for three weeks in three different places. There is always some apprehension- a very different country, the responsibility of leading three teams, safety on the roads, and so on…

But I’m pretty sure all that will change as I get off the plane at Hyderabad. The sights and smells will bring back a flood of memories, all of them good.

And so the ride begins….

REPOST: Follow Your Heart: Steve Jobs, 1955 - 2011

A REPOST FROM MAY 2009

"Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything, all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure; these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked.

There is no reason not to follow your heart.

Death is very likely the single best invention of life. It’s life’s change agent; it clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you. But someday not too long from now, you will gradually become old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic but it’s quite true.

Your time is limited so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped in dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice, and most important, have the courage to follow your heart."

Speech to Stanford College from Steve Jobs, CEO, Apple Computer and Pixar Animation

Fried Brains, Warm Friendships

Having completed my introductory weeks at Mattersey Hall for the Masters in Theology, I must admit to a case of ‘fried brains’! There’s a whole different world out there! The level and excellence of thinking from the lecturers is almost too much for someone that hasn’t studied in about 30 years. But along with the fried brains, there were many warm friendships. It is so good to met others that seem as crazy as me, paying someone to put you through mental torture!

More warm friendships on the way… In a week I will be in India again, for three weeks this time. It will be good to renew old friendships and continue to help with the Esther girls and medical camps. The teams are ready…. different people over the three weeks. So lots of warm friendships and some warm weather too!