David Turner Blog

I have always loved going to the zoo, the chance to see these amazing animals close up that you would rarely get the chance to see anywhere else. In January, Beth and I got 'gold passes' to colchester zoo, meaning we can have free entry to the zoo for a year. It's been awesome going with Reuben, feeding the giraffes with him and riding the train. The funny thing is that Reuben loves the whole experience, not just the star attractions. At the minute there are loads of ducklings about, just your standard mallard ducklings. We was at the tiger enclosure and the tiger was going mental right by the window that we were standing at, because of some cat nip in a box. But Reuben was too enamoured with the ducks to want to watch the Tiger, so we had to go and sit on the floor with the ducks. It was the same at another zoo in Kent recently where you can go on a 'safari ride', we got on and in a field of zebra, and giraffe and other exotic animals, the animal that Reuben ...

I went away recently for a week to a conference. It was only the second time I had left my son for a prolonged period of time. When I'm away I find I really miss him, and worry that something might happen to him while I'm away. I know this is because I love him and he brings me such joy. Of course these things are all natural and I'm sure things all parents can relate too. As a follower of Jesus we are called to put Jesus above all else. I struggle to understand why this has to be the case and how it could ever be when I love my son so much. While I was away I was thinking about this and I remembered why we named Reuben what we did - yes because we liked the name, but more because of the meaning - 'God has blessed me with a son.' The moment I remembered this, I recognised that while Reuben may be an object of my joy, God is the joy giver. The true context in which I can enjoy Reuben, and indeed any gift is in relationship with the one who gave the gift. The on...