Today marks one month of me (Geoff) being on leave from the position of CEO of NT Christian Schools. Toward the end of 2014 I sat with my executive team and talked about our shared journey over the preceding 18 months and what the future for Sue & me, and the leadership needs of NT Christian Schools into 2015, looked like. As we discussed, celebrated, shed tears and prayed it became clear that the best course for everyone was for me to take leave as CEO for the whole of 2015. That decision was endorsed by the NT Christian Schools Board. It truly was one of those times when it was a case of "it seemed good to us and the Holy Spirit".

An extract from a message from me to all staff follows:

The decision to take the year off was not a response to a significant decline in Sue’s condition and prognosis, rather a positive decision to set aside time together and focus on enjoying each other while we have the chance.

Of course, none of us know what is around the corner as we travel life’s journey. If we are open to it we are likely to be surprised by the joys God places in our path as much as the griefs and challenges. My experience over the last 18 months has been that they often come hand in hand and are inextricably linked.

What joy it is to love and care
What grief there is when lost
But if our lives we cease to share
How perilous the cost

Receive each day, the joy, the pain
Meet each with certainty
Supported by God’s father heart
Our present days are just a part
Of His eternity

 

It has been interesting for Sue and me this month as we have adjusted to yet another 'way of being' - but it is good, it is good indeed. We are enjoying the almost complete freedom to make decisions about what we do and when (at least to the extent that the medical demands allow). It would be fanciful to suggest that we have mastered the art of 'living in the moment', but I think that we are progressively learning to see the moments we have missed and improve our anticipation of those that may be coming!