2009 will undoubtedly go down in the memory as dominated by the consequences of a particular decision I made in the parish, viz: to ask the Director of Music to retire. This led to a very great deal of unpleasantness which has taken a long time to work through. I haven’t said much on the blog about it as it didn’t seem appropriate, but I’m getting to a place where I might be able to say something. It clarified and revealed a very great many things.
Other things from 2009:
I started psychotherapy, and I think I’ll be seeing some of the first fruits of that process next year.
I had a much-needed sabbatical which was healthy in so many ways.
I came very close to finishing my book; more excitingly, the ripples from that process have already started to reach out.
I became much more sceptical about global warming specifically, green politics generally, and much more conscious of the distinctive contribution that theology can give to our present crisis.
I did no sailing, but I spent a lot of time on the boat and learnt much about boat management. Maxim from the year: I must recharge my batteries.
I found someone to play squash with. This was the year that I discovered that, for the first time ever, I weigh more than my brother. I expect to weigh less at the end of 2010!
Although I purchased the bike in 2008, this was the year I learnt how to ride a motorbike (haven’t passed the test yet though – the present set up is bonkers and I’m waiting to see if the Parliamentary select committee recommend some changes).
I watched too much TV and junk movies – to the extent that I have had enough of the same and am switching back into my historical mode of being a book junkie.
I caught up with the family, and managed to readjust my priorities, for the first time in about six years.