On the 14th of November I returned to the Fracture Clinic at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the doctor was pleased with my progress and after an examination advised me that my tendon has healed, albeit it is weak, which was to be expected. He subsequently discharged me and advised me to continue to wear my ‘boot’ for a further two weeks to protect the healing and to allow time for a referral to physiotherapy to kick in.

I was hopeful of a phased return to work during Advent but having now seen my GP I have been advised that this will not be possible until the New Year. The current plan is for my phased return to begin on January 1st. 2017 assuming physiotherapy are happy with my continuing improvements.

I am trying to walk a little further daily, but not too much for fear of further damage.

I am grateful for your forbearance and prayerful support during my absence and indebted to Rev Mark Johnstone of St Mary’s Church, Kirkintilloch the Interim Moderator and to Rev Jim Gemmell of Kenmure Church who continues to provide emergency pastoral care cover. Further updates will follow in due course.

The Season of Advent will have begun by the time you are reading this. Advent is traditionally a time we associate with waiting. We anticipate and await the birth of our Saviour as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus, the reason for the season, as they sometimes say.

For me these past months have been a period of waiting. Waiting for appointments, waiting for healing, waiting for permission to return to ministry. During this time I have had plenty of time to think, pray, and reflect on the important things in life, as I have adjusted to the limitations of my physical impairment.
The allure of the commercial world in this Season of Advent is ever present, as we wait to see the latest TV commercial for the likes of John Lewis! Trampolining dogs and foxes, who would have thought that was possible? But do we need any of that ‘stuff’ the shops are selling? Do we need to fill our lives with all those presents, food and drink?

Maybe we need to reclaim the maxim, “less is more” this Advent and make room to fill our hearts, homes and souls with the one who comes to offer us life in all its
true fullness, the Christ child Himself, Jesus!

Have a great Advent, a Happy Christmas and I wait to see you all in the New Year when I hope to place my best foot forward!