Confirmation at St Augustines Limbury 19th June 2013
On the 19th June at St Augustine's church Limbury, I was confirmed
along with Sinead, Steven and Carolyn. My thanks to Janet and St
Augustines for a beautiful service.
The service was a celebration with family and friends. One I will
always remember. My son Edward fell asleep during Bishop Alan's
sermon, and I could hear him snore a few times during the prayers.
As I watched Sinhead and then Carolyn receive their confirmation from
Bishop Alan, I knew the moment I had been attending classes for, and
dreaded had finally arrived. Gena announced my name to the Bishop.
I wobbled slightly in front of him on my ridiculous (but as I thought
smart, yet low kitten heels) and knelt down, fully expecting a shaft
of pain, or maybe a loud crack. Ok it wasn't a gracious kneel down.
My knees impacted with the cushion, but no pain (I have a dodgy right
knee!) However, as I felt intense heat flaming my face, I closed my
eyes, and clasped my hands together. Praying for composure and trying
to focus on the solemnity of what was about to happen. Willing
myself not to wince with embarrassment, I felt the Bishop's hand on
my hair, a firm yet somehow reassuring touch. His prayer soothed the
butterflies somersaulting around in my stomach. Then it was over. I
had received my confirmation and now I had to get up (somehow), and
for some reason...all I can remember is wobbling on my heels and
performing some kind of curtsey, then I remembered to bow my head.
It was only when I felt a hand clasp into mine, I looked into Gena's
smile and let out a quietish sound of relief. How I got up from the
kneeling position without help, I do not know.
No this isn't an episode of Miranda. This is how I remember my
confirmation. The climax of a journey I have made with very
patient teachers in Lesley and Gena. I asked questions, was taught
how to pray. I've even learnt how to listen, but that lesson is still
ongoing. I found the course informative, and I've discovered things
about me, some good, some not so good. The main thing I learnt was
that God loves me no matter how many fluff ups I make. During the
Ash Wednesday service Liz read out a version of Footprints, with this
passage that brought me to tears, this passage has stayed in my mind
since.
"But
this is my question. Lord.. Was there a regression or something? The
footprints went back to two, and this time it was worse than the
first."
The Lord smiles, then laughs. "You didn't know?"
The Lord smiles, then laughs. "You didn't know?"
He
says. "That was when we danced."
I
seem to have been dancing with the Lord a lot over the past few
years. He's been a remarkably patient partner.
After he had performed our confirmations, Bishop Alan asked us to
turn and face the congregation. There we stood, four individuals,
yet united in our beliefs.
During his sermon Bishop Alan had spoken of home, using extracts from
The Wind in The Willows and even more surprising Love Actually. I
saw in the pews standing and clapping, my husband, my children (bar
the one that was still asleep under the pew), my family and
friends.....No. No longer friends. Family.
The saying 'Home is where the heart is' has been for me, particularly
perfect. For the simple reason. Christ lives in my heart, therefore I
am always home.
I am proud to be a member of the church of England.
