Relationships revisited

Since returning to Hobart three and half years ago, we have been struggling a little where we should worship. A natural desire was to attend the church where two of our families worship and to share in this special way with them. However, we have finally been convinced that God would have us return to the Hobart Tabernacle where there are of course many who are special to us and where we had an active role past years.

One of the associated challenges was to resist the invitation to play the pipe organ again. After ten years not playing that very fine instrument, I was not at all anxious to play again and strongly resisted the many overtures that came to me. Perhaps, my own comfort zone also didn’t wish to return to the discipline of organ playing.

Finally, in April I relented and since have played on a number of occasions:For those of you interested, it is a three manual pipe organ with over 1700 pipes organised in three distinct divisions. That covers quite a few voices, many of which are delightfully delicate to the ears. The original instrument was much smaller, about 600+ pipes dating back to 1898. The instrument saw an extension and a complete renovation in 1960 when it was expanded to its present configuration.

While many churches are discarding the organ, it is good to still have this fine instrument available for worship and it is my hope that it will be used as part of a range of instruments – piano, guitars, wind instruments etc., and even drums!

When I play, Carol supports me and at time plays the piano.The photo above is of her with a dear saint of God who not only loves music, but in his early days was a fine violinist and played with a Latvian Orchestra before the War. Elmars is a dear man whom we love dearly.

During the week, we went to brother Henk & his wife Gail’s new place in Tranmere for dinner. It was lovely to see them all settled into their new home that looks out over the Derwent River towards the city and Mt. Wellington. As you can see, Carol received a very warm welcome (and I did too):It is a lovely home, beautifully positioned and it was obvious that Henk & Gail were very happy with their new address - it showed!It was a pity that on this day there were severe bushfires around Mt. Nelson (where we used to live) and this spoiled the look a bit, as you can see. Actually, there were two more fires started deliberately that evening with more bad fires the following morning. It was very hot and very windy. We are just grateful for our valiant fire fighters who do such a great job of keeping the community safe.

Henk was careful to show us all the features and when I peeked in from the outside looking in, I saw him showing Carol the most important feature!Pre dinner drinks and nibbles are always enjoyable, but the company of loving people far exceed that.

Gail is an excellent cook and we very much enjoyed roast beef (I would love to have taken a photo of Gail in the supermarket that day, struggling with a shopping trolley and muttering all sorts of things, but the end result was terrific Gail - thanks!) I think it can be said that we are enjoying ourselves:Finally, the other day I received a phone call from my niece Denise who now lives in Launceston. (hadn't heard from her for six years or more) She had to travel to Hobart on Thursday and the opportunity was too good not to have her over to our place and catch up with one another. It was the day when the bushfires were really out of control and it was hot. While windy, our evening meal was still best outside also because the electricity was off. The BBQ comes in handy for those occasions.
What all this means is that we are blessed with much, but especially our relationships with one another. Thanks be to God!!