Michael Palin and Great Job Wednesday

Matt Woodcock, Church of England Pioneer Minister and Mission Supporter in the Diocese of York:

So, Chris, you asked me recently what it was like being a dad to twins.
Well, I’m happy to say that for most of the time it’s a life-giving joy and privilege - albeit an exhausting one.

However - I’ve got be honest - just lately it’s been challenging. To put it mildly. Introducing them to my friend’s little Shih Tzu dog was a huge error. It’s all they now talk about. It’s all they want in life. In a relentless pincer movement, I’m bombarded with the same question over and over again: ‘Daddy, can we get one - pleeease?!’ Twin One asks. I tell her ‘no’. Then Twin Two asks. I tell her ‘no’. Then they ask in unison. And I tell them both ‘no’. Then it starts again.

No amount of threats to turn off the Greatest Showman soundtrack or stop their pocket money seems to do any good. My resolve is weakening. The trouble is our last attempt at getting them pets was traumatic. Maisie and Daisy the goldfish were a delight - for the three days that they lived. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case for my mum’s precious cat LouLou. She passed away a few weeks ago at the ripe old age of 22 - that’s 104 in feline years. In that time, mum’s lap was rarely without LouLou draped over it. No matter what kind of day she was having, what sort of mood she was in or what burdens she carried, the cat was always there for her.

Available and affectionate. Demanding little, but always offering so much. A constant source of gentle comfort, playfulness and unwavering loyalty. As a too often selfish human and always work in progress Christian, I find these inspiring qualities to strive for. Reminders of Christ’s message to bless others without conditions. As Mother Teresa put it: ‘Intense love does not measure, it just gives.’

In practice, I’m learning that giving without expecting something back - be it time, resources or comforting words - is often the most rewarding challenge of each new day. That said, one thing I won’t be giving any time soon is a dog to those twins of mine. Our home is not ready for a Shih Tzu. As a compromise, we’re looking after a friend’s gerbils next week. What could possibly go wrong, Chris?