In a world increasingly dominated by screens and virtual interactions, the significance of face-to-face conversations often gets overshadowed. Recently, I rekindled this understanding during a breakfast meeting with Ian Parkes, affectionately known as 'Parkesy', at Exeter City Football Club.
Our encounter stands as a testament to the irreplaceable value of human connection.
For nearly five years, Parkesy and I have been part of a weekly online gathering hosted by Christians in Sport, tailored for managers and coaches in professional football. Born out of necessity during the Covid lockdowns in March 2020, these sessions feature a 10-minute Bible-based talk before breaking into smaller groups for in-depth discussions. While we've formed bonds and shared insights in the digital realm, the reality hit me as I travelled to Exeter for a preaching engagement: despite our regular Zoom meetings, we had never met in person.
Eternal perspective on life's final whistle
Crossing the Severn Bridge from my home in Cambridge always evokes nostalgia, connecting me to my childhood in South Wales. …