Virtually Paul

Reflective Ramblings

Do you ever sometimes look back on a particular situation - a particular scene in your life - where you were interacting with another person, or group of people, and you did or said something that you wish you hadn’t? I’m not talking about wetting the bed on school camp kind of moments here. I’m talking about relational stuff. Do you ever replay those moments in your head where you said something to someone that you wished you could clarify? Ever wanted to say:

“Hey, you know in that situation when I <did/said something>, well I think I gave you <this> impression, and well, what I really meant to convey was <this other thing>.”

I just spent about 10 minutes replaying one of those moments that happened some months ago. Nothing major. Just an off-the-cuff comment that shot out of my mouth, that was true to what was happening in my heart at the time, but could have easily had a more awkward meaning read into it. The funny thing is that the people who were around when it happened probably don’t remember it. But quite obviously, part of me is still embarrassed. There is something I don’t like about that - the desire to “explain” or “clarify” myself like that. It has an element of weakness to it that I find quite disconcerting.

Do you ever find yourself in a similar headspace?
Why do you think that’s the case?
What does it tell you about yourself in light of the specific situation?

Trendy religion causes mental health issues

From The Australian

According to “a major Queensland study of 21-year olds”:

Young men who held non-traditional religious views were at twice the risk of being more anxious and depressed than those with traditional beliefs.

I wonder whether my “religious views” (*cringe*) are non-traditional?

Bec and Geoff’s wedding

It was a week ago today but feels like longer because I left to lead on a kids camp the following morning and got back yesterday. Suffice it to say that it was a lovely day and one of the nicest weddings I’ve ever been to.

I should probably also point out that Bec’s bridesmaid Jess just asked me to help her format some links for the photos over on All Said and Done. I think I deserve some credit for corrupting Jess into posting the following photo of Bec and Geoff’s wedding night at the bottom of the list:

Photo of Bec and Geoff’s Wedding Night