Born in London, brought up in Dumfries, but living and working in Gateshead for over 20 years, I'm a Christian, husband, father, teacher and family historian. And that should be the order in which they take priority, but I frequently get it wrong.
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I'm not sure how often I'll post on here, and I'm even less certain about how clear my meandering thoughts may be to others, but if they make either you or me think then I'll take that as a success.
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I ought to start by explaining the name of the blog. My father's mother came from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. I was fortunate enough to spend most summers of my childhood there, and try to get back at least every other summer now. Although I've researched each line of my ancestry, it is this side of the family which I've found particularly interesting. My long-suffering wife and children will confirm that I've spent many more hours wandering old graveyards than is normal.
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One feature of Lewis gravestones which is particularly striking is how frequently the inscription will finish with a Gaelic phrase: "Gus am Bris an Là", which can be translated as "Until the Day breaks". This is the first half of a line from the book of the Song of Solomon, chapter 4, verse 6: "Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away". It acknowledges the reality of eternity, and that - if we are in Christ - our separation at death is only temporary, despite the deep pain of loss.
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This blog will seek to explore the fact of the present temporary fallen world viewed in the light of a future eternal glorious heaven. I suspect that it will also follow numerous tangential thoughts as well - we shall see!
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Thanks for reading :)
William