This is an image of part of the cross that stands in the grounds of Queen’s College, Birmingham. The College trains people for Methodist and Anglican ministry, amongst many other things. I trained there from 1999-2001.

I have an ambivalent relationship with my training institution. I met some people who have become friends. Others I wave at over facebook and twitter from time to time. I read many books (although when did I not do that?). Some people, who I was close to, I do not know where they are. Such is life. I have also taught there.

Sometimes I was a real pain to have around.

I never thought so at the time. I seem to remember always wanting to blame others for the way things were; although sometimes that did need to be done.

Lent creates space for me to remember honestly, secure in the knowledge that it does not take all the king’s men to put things together again, because as I remember, there is the audible whisper, ‘my grace is sufficient for thee’