Special Times; those are the things we remember and link us together.

So on Thursday I took the day off work. It was my granddaughter Emilia’s third birthday. There is a lovely picture of her surrounded by presents; and now that she is old enough to know what is going on, she was excited.

After that we drove up to Birmingham to the National Sea Life Centre and then back to Nana and Granddad’s for a family party and cake. But what struck me most was the journey back in the car.

All of a sudden, members of the family came out with memories from their childhood. Do you remember that time when we went to the New Forest? Or that time when there was a power cut and we all huddled together in the dark? Or when Dad used to read us “monster stories” and scare us?

And each event had something in common: time spent together. This seems important to me; and something to do with the heart of humanity and of chaplaincy.

As a Chaplain, I get to spend special times with others who I don’t know. They are mostly sad and tragic times, but they are special nonetheless.

And it is not because of what we do together, but probably because we are together. As human beings we crave interconnectedness; relationship; understanding. And I think that this is what chaplaincy, at its best, can offer in abundancy.

So when I think of the birthday presents or Christmas presents that many of us lavished on each other, I am grateful for them.

They speak of a connection and love which prompts others to remember us and give us gifts. But it seems to me that the greatest gift you can give people is time.

Time with them; alongside them; walking for a mile in their shoes. So I am glad I took the day off to share Emilia’s special day when I could have easily gone to work.

And I hope, that when she grows up, one of her memories in the back of the car will be the time she spent with Nana and Grandad.