Good perspective, and peace

Basically the Brits are inside the European Union with lots of opt-outs, and want to be outside with lots of opt-ins. That was the view painted by a Business Daily podcast on the BBC World Service. It got me thinking. 

In other words Brexit will change little, which appears to be roughly the direction we're heading. I commend the podcasts [¼ hour available on digital or internet] because they give different perspectives, and don't endlessly flog the same stories.

But there's another reason: they are full of positive tales. Outlook is another particularly good series. Often media delights in the bad at the expense of the good. The truth is that a huge amount of great events go unreported. Jesus said to his disciples, 'If you continue in my word ... you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.' His teaching addressed poverty, illness, abuse, and so on; he didn't avoid the bad, but his focus was always on good news or gospel.

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When heading up All Saints School governors, I participated in giving students some interview practice. One thought she had little of achievement, but as I asked her about what she did it became clear she had a wealth of skills and experience to offer. She couldn't believe the truth about herself until she heard it reflected back to her. Another thought school was just occupational therapy, but came to understand it was there to give him the skills he needed. Instead of resenting challenges he came to relish them.

St Paul put it beautifully, 'Whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, if there is excellence and anything worthy of praise, think about these things ... and the God of peace will be with you.

Safe celebration, and just outcomes

On my way to take Padre's Hour at the Air Training Corps I was diverted around the houses by a large screen broadcasting World Cup Footie outside the Rendezvous. 

The atmosphere was amazing, a great sense of fun and excitement. However, to one side I noticed police, ambulance, and security staff making sure someone who had collapsed was safe. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who look after us, especially when we've overdone things.

Jesus taught that we should live to the full and celebrate all that's good, while at the same time keeping a lookout for one another.

And on another subject, the last Wessex Water information pamphlet delivered to every household invited us to rate its performance against other service providers, one of which was Sky with only a 5% approval rating. I have spent 5 months terminating my TV subscription [which had provided an excellent service] and now understand why Sky has such a poor reputation.

The above can be published in the public domain, however I cannot tell you the outcome of my dispute because it includes a confidentiality clause. What I can do is thoroughly recommend the centre for effective dispute resolution [CEDR] which provided an excellent service.

It is internet based, with provision for both parties to upload evidence. This is evaluated independently, and a binding judgement made. Power is held to account by truth. Christians lie behind the foundation of these islands' ancient courts of justice, most of which had a chapel built into their infrastructure.

As we enjoy summer lets give thanks be showing appreciation for those who keep us safe, and all who pursue justice.