Bedtime thoughts

I took a sleeping tablet an hour ago and as it hasn't kicked in yet I thought I'd get rid of some of the remaining adrenaline running through my system with some reflective thoughts on the past weeks and days.

I don't ever think I've worked as hard as I have, especially in the past 5 days. Running around organising things on ground level in 40+ degree heat for 3 days, liaising with schools from around Australia, Principals, Students, members of Parliament, Security Agents, constant questions from delegates, no time to eat a full meal etc. etc. Long hours, not sleeping that well and stressful situations with last minute changes involving huge transportation and venue logistics. It was massive. And I am thankful.

I'm thankful for a few reasons, and I'd love to outline just a few:

Yesterday, we had a schedule change to enable the Conference to attend the Motions of Condolence for the Victorian Bushfire Victims and Queensland Floods. This was, in many people's opinion, one of the most important moments in Australia's history for many years.

Parliamentarians from around Australia standing with Australians, stating we are hurting but we are proud and we are strong. We WILL help those in need. We WILL do what we can to support those who will struggle for many years to come.

I sat outside this session in Parliament House wishing I could be there to join in, to participate, to mourn and a thought came to me "You may not be able to be there yourself, but you've facilitated 275 people to be in an event that they will never forget. In times of tragedy, personal and corporate, they will look back and remember the strength and compassion of their nation from this day. It's ok you're not there yourself" Too right. Thank God it all came together. Thank God these students and teachers, some from Victoria who don't know what they're going back to at home were able to join with Leaders from around Australia, and hear the grief of a nation, and know that they are not alone.

I am thankful for the testimonies of students in how the Conference impacted and encouraged them.

I am thankful for dancing and having fun at the Bush Dance on Sunday night and the wonderful people that I danced with!

I am thankful for amazing speakers who have challenged me - although I wasn't able to listen to many sessions, I was impacted by their lives and want to live the fullness of my humanity.

I am thankful for personal compliments that I recieved - (who ever thought that the word "inflappable" would ever be said in reference to me!) the prayers of support and the strength given by friends.

I was thankful for God giving me a song to sing whenever I think of someone I met. No, there isn't any goss implied in that statement, just a hope and a conviction in the love of my God for whatever may come, with whomever.

I'm exhausted. I am thankful.

Good night.

I'm Back

After an amazing holiday I've been back at work and am now in a conference in Canberra that I've been preparing for a long time.

Life is really, really good and my holiday refreshed me in ways that I'd forgotten about. Considering that work is pretty much all encompassing at the moment I'm looking forward to a bit more down time after the conference to elaborate on some of these things.

I hope you're doing well, wherever you are, and whatever you're doing.