Getting back into life..lucky lucky man.

Today my wife was unsure about my schedule. She felt I was taking on too much after my operation and subsequent flu. After doing some computer work early in the morning I went into town to be at St John by 10a.m. where I attended a farewell morning tea for one of the staff members. I then ended up at the Night Shelter attempting to change a lock on the bathroom door at Phoenix Lodge. From there I needed a place to have something to drink so I called at the Fire station and had a cup of tea and scone with them. I visited a radio station to talk Night Shelter Stuff and then went on to the brewery to do chaplaincy. I arrived home after six hours of talking with people feeling exhausted, checked my computer, made a cup of tea and sandwich, then had a nap. I realised that I am still recovering from the operation and that the medical advice was right -"You will tire easily and feel weak, pace yourself for six weeks." 
Tired but privileged...
As I drove home though I felt very privileged and "warmed".  I had experienced warm friendship for the whole six hours. Here is what happened...

• At the farewell at St John Ambulance there were past staff members and present staff. As people greeted me I was really taken by the warmth of their greeting and their friendship and acceptance. I, a parson who visits, felt really like one of the St John family. I appreciated that.
• At Phoenix lodge I appreciated the contacts and conversation I had there.
• At the fire station I met a guy in the yard and confessed that I was just here to use the toilet and have a free cup of tea. "You are always welcome here Dave." he said reassuringly. Thats how I found it. As I had a cup of tea and the scone they offered, there was warmth of welcome and conversation.
• I met a keen supporter of the Night Shelter and she and I went to the radio station to talk with a lady about promotion of our fundraising efforts. She had arranged the meeting. While I have not had a lot of contact with this lady, I enjoyed the sense of partnership in the same cause. I really appreciate the work this lady does for the Night Shelter Trust.
• Walking back to retrieve my van at the fire station, stopped at an intersection with traffic signals I saw an ambulance headed back to the hospital. I waved to the paramedic behind the wheel, and he lowered his window and we chatted. It must have looked strange this guy leaning on the ambulance door chatting in the middle of the street while he waited for the lights to change. Again I appreciated the friendship.
•  From there I went to the brewery chaplaincy. Because of my surgery it has been awhile since I had seen the people there. But every where I went I found people ready and willing to talk, share their stories and include me. 
• I stepped out of an office area and discovered two fire crews being shown around the brewery. They gave me cheek and then said, "We will see you tomorrow won't we?" I loved the friendship.
• When I got home, contacts through computer and phone expressed acceptance and friendship.

As I cooked the evening meal I reflected on a day of warm human connection and realised I am so fortunate. I am a lucky, lucky man indeed.