The reality is that water companies across the UK have been guilty of pumping millions of litres of raw sewage into our natural water bodies.
Influences included Major T.E, Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), and films such as Kundun, the characters of Daniel Dravot and Peachy Carnahan in The Man Who Would Be King, the character of Sir Reginald Johnston in The Last Emporer and even the character of Percey Blakeney in The Scarlett Pimpernel gave me notions that I could make a difference in a ‘truly great’ way if I only set my mind to it.
Perhaps what you need to consider is if your calling is to the wider Church of God or if it is specifically to the Anglican corner of the vineyard?
Not long after chatting to my old boss Don Witts, he got back to me about the possibility of pursuing a Bishop’s certificate with Southwark Diocese.
I had a positive conversation on the telephone where he clarified “Let’s be frank, the return trip to Bangkok is impractical, not least because of the increasing COVID restrictions, and I suggest you pursue any options closer to you.”
“Let’s meet at the Hawaiian Bar. It’s nearby where I live, and we can meet without masks because it’s outside-ish. It’s on the ground floor of a defunct car park. Do you know it?” This is Thailand, so it is neither the first nor last time I have met somewhere, which might generally sound weird.
So began a period where I was ricocheting about, getting advice, pursuing leads and slowly, sometimes imperceptively feeling a way forward. It was a difficult time, with lots of dead ends and lots of ideas. It was knowing that the journey had begun but not knowing the shape or length of the journey to come.
I heard this on Radio 4 in early February this year.
It really struck a chord with me and so I thought I would share it with you.
I have always stuck to the mantra that “bold acts are the safest”. I read that many years ago on the Burma Memorial and I liked it then almost as much as I like this.
This is along those lines but goes further.
I told my pal LE about it and several weeks later he gave me a framed print of this on some fancy paper (see picture).
I now read it every day.
The Power of Commitment!
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative ( and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now”.
– J. W. von Goethe
This is a really cool video on YouTube and I thought you might like it.
Really interesting talk by Dennis vanEngelsdorp who is the Acting State Apiarist for Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture, mostly about bees, but also touching upon NDD.