To celebrate my wife’s ‘significant’ birthday I decided to book us a short break in Iceland (not the one endorsed by Peter Andre). This was a desolate stony expanse of God’s world, haunted by howling winds, bubbling geysers and fiery eruptions – I sure know how to treat a lady! Catherine had always wanted to see the Northern Lights, one of those ‘Bucket List’ things, so I figured this would be the ideal present.
The planning was meticulous; children packed off to family for the weekend, cold weather gear filled our suitcases and the vital Icelandic phrase learnt: “Við viljum stórt glas af Sauvignon Blanc og jafnvel stærri glas af bjór vinsamlegast” – you could look it up, but I’m guessing you won’t need to! We’d hired a car and booked a cracking little self-catering apartment, so everything was set for five days of exploring by day and at night, chasing that elusive light show we hoped to see.
The days were filled with some of the most spectacular scenes we’d ever encountered. Despite, on the face of things, an inhospitable land outside of the main city Reykjavik, it was heartening to discover places and stories of men and women thriving alongside some of the most challenging features of God’s creation. Each afternoon we would check the Aurora Borealis app to determine the best location and time to see the magnificent display, and would plan our evening accordingly.
How much effort do we put into seeking the one true light of the world, fully available every day (and night)? “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5. Christ, creator of life, is that light of the world. When we follow in His light we can avoid walking blindly and messing up. He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live. Of all the lights we can seek, allowing Christ’s to shine in our lives is the perfect guide we need to stop us from stumbling.
On the third evening, and after much searching, we were blessed with flickering green lights over a crystal clear ocean. The show wasn’t as spectacular as it might’ve been, but great reward for patience and still sufficiently stunning to render us in awe of God’s amazing creation. On the plane coming home Catherine shared with me another ‘bucket list’ ambition. It turns out she’d really like to hand milk a cow – if only she’d mentioned that sooner!
Image Credit: Marcelo Quinan

A few weeks ago I spent the afternoon with my two sons watching Maidstone Utd play Billericay Town. The game was one of those ‘must win’ matches after a run of indifferent results had seen the Stones lose their commanding lead at the top of the Ryman Premier League. Furthermore it was against a team whose hometown was also that of a number of CVM colleagues; so bragging rights were at stake!
As we waited for kick off I got thinking once again about the highs and lows we go through as supporters, and how results can determine our mood for days afterwards. For football mad James (6), it really is just a game; he cheers when we score, gets excited at free kicks and penalties, asks loads of great questions, but win lose or draw comes away with the same big smile on his face at having been to the match. Matthew (24) understands the game and, as a decent player himself, enjoys watching, but really wants to be out there bossing the midfield. For me, supporting is 90 minutes of keeping in check those traits of the clichéd football fan that would at the very least embarrass my sons and certainly not endear me to friends at church. I love the game, but as someone who has also played a bit I sense myself heading or kicking every ball, sense the aggression I had as a ‘no nonsense’ central defender emerging, and feel the urge to appeal every injustice I consider to have been perpetrated against my team.
For Christians, times of study and reflection help in drawing closer to God. As football fans we might well reflect on a God who is without question our greatest fan; on the fact that He loves each of us deeply, despite our shortcomings. God cheers us on, wanting us to achieve everything He created us uniquely to be. When the world throws up defeat and disappointment He shares in our sorrow. In times of victory He celebrates with us. More than the most committed fan, His loyalty is unshakable. Quite simply, ‘if God is for us, who can be against us?’ Rom. 8:31.
As fans we take a keen interest in the team we follow. How much more does God know and love each of us? Pondering this draws me to the wonderful expression of God’s knowledge of us, and His great gift to allow us to know Him in Psalm 139. If you’ve not read it recently look it up now and be blown away by the completeness of His knowledge and love of us. Celebrate that His gift is available to all.
As for the Stones, they won 3-0, their lead maintained and points cushion restored. Back home with my wife and two daughters, the six of us had dinner together before playing energetic games long into the evening. I’m certain the same would’ve happened if our team had lost, because despite our real passion, football really is just a game (as James knows). Of course, the fact that Billericay lost the return fixture two weeks later just confirms that God also wears Amber and Black!
Image credit: Alejandro Escamilla