However, what small (I think…) measure of complacency that I had allowed to creep over me, was blown away when one of our ministers read a verse from Proverbs:

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.

(Proverbs 21:1 ESV)

Jonathan was speaking about how empires and governments, kings and prime ministers, are subject to God’s direction, and how that the prophecy of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem was fulfilled through the calling of an imperial census. Ceasar, knowingly or not, was directed to do God’s will. How truly awesome!

We may not have a King (or Queen) exercising authority over us today (although sometimes I do feel she might do a better job), but the point stands: that God’s will can turn our leaders in what ever direction He chooses. I’m praying that he does so in a number of ways, but I’m also praying that our leaders will themselves turn to God, and consciously seek to do His will.

I’m pretty certain that it’s mostly down to exhaustion. Trying to juggle too many balls at once means that my brain and body are feeling a bit disconnected. And the worst of it is that I end up not being as effective as I need to be at anything I do.

Thus, I’m so looking forward to the Christmas holidays. Having some time out – and I do mean 100% out – is critical for our family. Time to simply be present with one another: physically proximate in the same place; emotionally alert and available; selflessly serving one another; and enjoying the wonders of parenthood, childhood and the miracle of Christ’s birth.

All in all, I perhaps haven’t looked forward to Christmas this much in years.

http://fridayfiveblog.blogspot.com/

by Jonathan Tame of Relationships Global

It’s been a wonderful reminder of the sense of community to work at the pottery all week. With Richard off on holiday for a week, I’ve been running the shops, and enjoying it immensely.

From helping someone out who had broken down outside the pottery and needed somewhere warm to sit, to having best friends pop by on a Friday afternoon for a chat in between customers, it’s been a very positive experience of living and working in one’s neighbourhood. And for me, that also means contrasting such a week with the other end of the spectrum – the big oil company I work for normally.

I’m pondering on what’s important in life: what really fulfils one’s spirit. And it’s been brought into specific relief due to the death of my uncle this week. Unexpected, even though following a difficult illness, it’s brought me to an acute sense of the temporary nature of our time on earth, and how we cannot take anything with us. The bible exhorts us to store up treasures in heaven and, whilst I won’t claim full understanding of that verse, I recognise that it cannot mean material goods, but has to mean obedience to God: worshipping him, serving others, helping those in need.

In these circumstances, it’s amazing how simple it seems to decide to give up corporate life, and serve God more fully in our church, business, village and town. But, there’s also the wisdom of others’ counsel, and, the realisation that these things sometimes don’t happen immediately. I hope that one day Smith & Causey will truly see all family members involved, but right now I’ll strive to do my best in both worlds, and pray that I’ll get the decision right when the time comes.

Matthew 6 v 19-21

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where y moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The Prime Minister is expected to turn his attention to family policy in the near future, following on from Frank Field’s review on poverty and life chances. The Relationships Foundation is urging David Cameron to propose a proper strategy for family policy based on clear direction from the centre of government and ‘family-proofing’ of all policy.

The PM has made ambitious pledges to make Britain the most family-friendly country in Europe and has spoken of the importance of our closest relationships for wellbeing. (1) While we recognise that there have been early signs of progress there still lacks a real determination in government when it comes to family policy.

Relationships Foundation Executive Director Michael Trend commented, “While the government is showing signs of recognising the essential contribution of families to the government’s most important objectives, it has not yet found a way of making it a guiding theme of policy. Continuing failure to do so will mean that key goals such as wellbeing, social mobility and welfare reform are missed.”

David Cameron therefore needs to set out a strategy for the family with clear cabinet level leadership.

Becoming family-friendly requires a co-ordinated plan as it has implications for every government department. The government has recognised that this is true of the Big Society – it has Cabinet level responsibility and a clear strategy. This cross-departmental approach is the right one. Family proofing all policy means ensuring that the contribution of the family to such goals as wellbeing is measured, that government considers the full range of mechanisms through which it influences relationships, and that all departments consider how their decisions might strengthen or hinder family relationships.

Whilst the Big Society and ‘transparent government’ rightly have their champions in Cabinet, there is currently no-one in a position to ensure that stronger families play their part in achieving the government’s goals. While there has been much merit in refocusing the Department of Children, Families and Schools on its original role as the Department for Education, relegating Family to junior ministerial responsibility is surely a problem for a Government so committed to families.

Relationships Foundation Executive Director Michael Trend commented, “Only when there is a clear plan and a strong leadership at the heart of government can we begin to make progress towards becoming the most family-friendly country in Europe.”

That’s the question posed in an email from a resident who is a regular attendee of my surgeries (next one on Friday 10th December). He always asks good questions that make me seriously consider aspects of my representation responsibilities and, the activities of Waverley Borough Council. This time, I’m pausing for thought for longer than normal.

The reason is, is that I support the principle of civil disobedience. I get that sometimes it overwhelmingly feels like the only tool available to the citizen in between 4 or 5 yearly elections, is to target a certain civil law for disobedience, and in a non-violent way press home their opposition to the ruling class.

However, this is where I feel that the perceived lack of service with regards to de-icing roads is nowhere close to being a verifiable use of onerous force, or a clear lack of service. Firstly, the clearing of roads is nowhere close to being a serious enough matter. And secondly, I challenge anyone to find the contract between citizen and local government that specifically outlines the exact roads and timelines for clearance to be followed in the event of a heavy snowfall. Finally, there’s no way that encouraging individuals to rely on their own measurements of performance (which will inevitably be partial and parochial) to determine whether taxes should be paid.

So, I do not agree with my resident’s challenge this time. But as always, I’m glad of the question.