I took a country footpath and joined the A3054 at Lower Watchingwell and followed it through spots of rain into Shalfleet, where I found the New Inn and a satisfyingly malty pint of amber-coloured beer whose name I forgot to note.
Jayne at Northmead Bed and Breakfast in Bouldnor made me very welcome. Not only do I have Radio 4 for the first time in ver three weeks but there was a Viscount biscuit waiting for me. Perfect.
After a shower the weather was turning worse, so I decided to stay in an dine on a flapjack.
My walking verse for the day was Proverbs 9.6: Lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight.
Blogging my journey (and posting to Twitter and Facebook) has been fun and I hope not too dull for those of you who are reading it. But how does the banter of these social networks, relate to the my walking verse? Where does maturity lie?
I read last week that I featured in an online list of the top ten "twittering bishops and clergy". I wondered what it meant for me and my ministry. There's scarcely any time for proper editing of this blog and I'm conscious that I could put my foot in it with a careless word. Likewise, Twitter and Facebook invite chirpy banter but the most flippant of remarks is immediately on the record.
It would be safest to keep quiet and avoid any risk at all. But I wonder if "walking in the way of insight", as the Proverb has it, could be about understanding and using new forms of communication in attractive ways.
So walk with me, dear reader, and hold your breath less I slip up and say something I shouldn't.
"Lord, guard my lips and my typing fingers, that I might not hurt or discourage through what I say or write. Amen."
Interesting comments regarding new forms of communication - perhaps it will not hurt those who speak of "twittering bishops and clergy" to realise that we, as Christians, are just as capable of engaging with technology as anyone else. Is there an expectation that we should do everything in the stereotypical bumbling, well-natured but ineffective manner which relates more to "All gas and gaiters" (showing my age) than to 21st Century church? Keep typing (carefully!) since your journey would be much the poorer without the regular updates for us at home. Personally, I really enjoy, in particular, your long range CAMRA good beer guide.......!
ReplyDeleteDid you see any red squirrels, by the way?
Take care.
C & A
What a pity you didn't have time to visit Osborne House - but perhaps you have been before. The view from the garden across the water to the Spinaker Tower is really lovely on a fine day, especially with all the sailing boats about! However, onward, forever onward and closer to home!!
ReplyDeleteGosh I can't imagine not waking up to 'Today' on Radio 4, and once a week the 'Sunday' religious affairs show!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you held it together without the good old beeb ;-)
BTW, not boring at all - rather I'm constantly engaged by your walking adventures. Keep it up!