If you could relive one year of your life, which one would it be?
There is no year I would like to relive. I try to live in the present – the eternal now of Jesus.
I look back on my past with cringe. And to relive a year, knowing what I know now, is just pain.
What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done when no one was watching?
All the things when “no one is watching”.
To act without needing affirmation, without seeking other’s approval, is true bravery. To be true to oneself and to act upon that truth, that is bravery.
But, tbh, I am rarely brave in any form.
I speak a different language. I was raised in a household that was complete non-English. But now I only speak, write, or read English – well, Australian.
And I think only in English. I understand the other language but will always answer in English. And, tbh, I have little desire to return to non-English.
Most certainly do not have 5 but here are two and they are actually next to each other on my phone:
The rest is “doom scrolling”!
What’s the best thing you’ve ever found randomly on the street?
I cannot recall ever finding something on the street that I used or took home. Is that strange? And I do not go out onto the street too often to give me the opportunity to find something.
Maybe a person I have met? But, tbh, I have no friends and little connection with anyone. So … nothing!
Many people do many kind things in secret everyday. And many people dress up kindness as a way to hurt and belittle people. Evil intent destroys kindness. I have experienced both!
So what is the kindest thing? I cannot single out anyone or anything. People have allowed me to be me – and that is pure kindness. And people have encouraged me to be open about my failings – and that is pure kindness. Random people have smiled – and that is pure kindness. There are many things that I have experienced that people may not thought of as a kindness but were pure kindness to me.
Anyway …
If the salary was the same, what job would you be doing right now and why?
I am living my dream – a life of prayer and fasting focused on Jesus. Yes, I am weak and often stumble. And, yes, I lack humility and insight. But I would not do anything different.
Yes, there are aspects that I might work on. And money is always an issue. And I had to move away from my “forever home”. But this life is my vocation – my calling. I have to adjust and make myself worthy. But this is my dream and I would not change anything.
I collect icon postcards – holy cards. Absolutely love it! My favourites are collected in a book – my holy book. I like that they are not the “standard” and that the book is the same size as my Prayer Book – a mobile collection for prayer anytime and anyplace.
I like icons and these are mobile and cheaper. The size is perfect! Also there are icons which are not so common – like St Olga. Anyway …
What’s the weirdest coincidence you’ve ever experienced?
The weirdest is life itself. Things happen!
What’s a book you never finished but still think about?
I could mention a number of books but here is one: When Nietzsche Wept.
TBH: I found it a little pompous and the plot with very slow. I like the subject – Nietzsche’s relationship with Lou Salomé – and the general premise is very promising but somehow does not deliver for me.
It is one of those books where I get to a certain point, wonder what is happening next, and then cannot go on. But always wonder how it ends. Maybe I should skip to the end and find out!?
a fool and his prayer book 