Thursday in London

I have had a great day in London, staying overnight in readiness for my meeting with my Spiritual Director tomorrow. Very tired, and leg aching, but happy.

Morning booking theatre tickets, then lunch, and the afternoon strolling around Camden Town and Camden Lock.

This evening been to see the Musical "Wicked" on the advice of my musical relative Frances Goodhand. Thanks, Frances, it was excellent advice, and if any of you haven't seen it, see it as soon as you can.

I have to admit I didn't know what it was about before I went! It is a parallel story to the Wizard of Oz, and centres round the struggles between the good witch and the wicked witch of the west, and why she was like she was. But there are twists everywhere, and nothing is as it seems. It breaks down all assumptions, and what see is not always what you get.

Two very poignant moments - firstly a song with the lyrics
- "People come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grew, if we let them, and we help them in return, well I don't know if I believe that's true, but I know who I am today, because I knew you ....who can say if I have been changed for the better, because I knew you, I have been changed for good". "I do believe I have been changed for the better because I knew you."

-secondly some words said by the wicked witch to the one she loved
- "I just wish I could be beautiful for you". To which he says her name, and before he says anything else, she cuts in "dont tell me that I am, you dont need to lie to me". He replies "it's not lying! It's looking at things another way.". (repeated again in a later reversed role context, meaning looks aren't anything, it's inner beauty that counts)

I will sleep on these two snatches of "Wicked" as they have had a very profound effect on me, on potentially on my ministry, and come back to them later.

On Monday my Round Britain Rail Trip starts, which lasts for a week - still seeking sponsors for Church and/or James Whale Kidnet Cancer Charity. Will blog details again tomorrow!