What an opportunity – to devote a whole weekend to faith. With people around you who are faith-full. In the Cathedral precincts. To be able to focus and reflect deeply on the spiritual and practical challenges of licensing as a Reader. To get scared about it in good company. To share the joy of it.

The public Bishop’s gardens behind George Bell House are full of sunshine reflecting our mood. Today there is input but there is mostly time for quiet. Interlaced with a cathedral service and concluding with Monteverdi’s Vespers in that sacred overwhelming space.

Yesterday we were all tired and full of the day outside. Or perhaps that was just me. The shearing of sheep, the moderation of marks, the excitement of tennis between Murray and Nadal – all lifting me like flotsam on a sea I can’t see or fathom. The depth of this weekend is to be savoured. Moving on from my initial high diving board experience of entering Reader training, now I’m paddling and the sea is warm.