Another night sleeping in the lounge armchair with pent up gas working its way through my intestines. I can move better despite the pain which is a relief. Sky overcast all day with gales threatened tonight. Wind is leaking out of me gradually and relieves painful pressure. Then a long fart leading to a bigger change. There are bound to be all sorts of internal pains and bruises at this point but wind pressure is worst of all, and so debilitating.
After breakfast Clare went off to church. I didn't even think of making the effort. Experience of lock-down in Ibiza taught me the blessing of reading through Matins and Eucharist of the day, accepting whatever gift it may bring to mind and soul. It's no different from any kind of fasting in moderation and may be good for you, at least teaching you not to take familiar habitual things for granted.
Clare returned with news of the second appointment to the Ministry Area Clergy team awaited since the beginning of December when we knew an appointment had been made, but not told whom. Sion Brynach, currently heads Wales' ecumenical body Cytun is coming to join us. He's the son of late Bishop Saunders Davies, one of Wales' twentieth century holy men, fondly remembered for his warmth and wisdom. Like father like son, apparently.
Before ordination he worked as a BBC Press officer. He has real front-line of communication experience of what to say and how to say it. He's naturally bi-lingual. Having two bi-lingual priests will really benefit an area that has experienced a big influx of Welsh speakers from all over rural Wales. Our internationalism is assured. Affirming the Welshness of the church's offer to the community is an essential witness to the Gospel. Two pieces of church good news in one weekend is a great antidote to my despair about church decline.
Most of the day was dedicated to doing little apart from eating and sleeping. Like being on a cruise, I tell myself, but with nothing new to gaze at outdoors. Clare got her massaging foot spa out to wash my feet with for a therapeutic treat. A strange experience, but fun to try.
After watching the latest episode of 'Call the Midwife', we slowly started to get ready for bed. Being much more mobile now my gut is deflated, and better able to work around the pain of movement involving stomach muscles, I decided to return to sleeping in bed. If it doesn't work, I can always bale out
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