Savouring

The setting sun just visible 

through the blossom

soon to dip behind the hills.

Before the sun bids farewell

for another night,

it puts on quite a display

that makes us look forward

to its rising

to herald a new day.

The blossom too will soon disappear

but, before it does

it trails a wonderful pageant

 littering the ground 

and dancing in the wind

making us long for its return

but, in the meantime

encouraging us

to simply enjoy

each moment.

Proclaiming faith

As I travelled by train through some beautiful Scottish countryside this morning, I was struck by how many church towers and spires dotted the horizon. Even the smallest hamlets boasted an impressive edifice. Some of these buildings may, of course, no longer be in use as churches but their presence spoke to me of witness and of heritage.
In our midweek service tonight, we read of Martha's confession, before Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead: You are the Messiah, Son of God. 
Each of us has the potential to stand as a living, breathing testament to faith in the God of life.
By fulfilling this potential, not only our countryside but our towns and cities too will be infused with signs of the presence of God.

Traveling light

Musing today on what is really necessary for the journey. And how much "stuff" we could leave behind. Wanting to be prepared, we sometimes carry too much. I know I am much too shallow to be away for any length of time without my hair straighteners. Yet, if I could lay them down, what else might there be room for?
And if I reach beneath the surface, what else do I carry around or imagine I cannot be without? What could I make room for if I would only risk being without something I consider vital?
Lenten discipline might involve dredging up those things we consider necessary to make some space - and then to resist the temptation to immediately fill the void created. Poverty of Spirit is a gift to be sought after and treasured.

Standing firm

Solid as a rock

that has withstood the ravages

of sea and wind and weather

that has cowered in the blast

yet remained

standing firm

Worn at the edges

chiseled and gouged

but grounded

Such is faith

in the God of life

Faith that brings not immunity

but helps us withstand

all that life brings

and more- 

faith that helps us

smile through the storm

not because we are hardened

or because we do not care

but because we love deeply

the one who loves us

with a love

that cannot be measured

or eroded

or swept aside

one whose love

endures forever.

That unseen cloud of witnesses

Tonight I shared in a memorial service for a friend who died at the beginning of the year. While I still feel his loss keenly, at this stage, some 3 months on from the funeral, I'm in a much better place to celebrate his life. I was privileged to share his impact on my life, his encouragement and his nurture - all of which were considerable. On the way home, I've been reflecting on the saints who are in my life right now. And thinking - I shouldn't wait until they are no longer physically present to celebrate all the gifts they share. Giving thanks for that unseen cloud of witnesses, I also want to celebrate those who provide inspiration and nurture and spiritual enrichment every day. Thanks be to God.

Windows to the soul?

Amidst the cooking and cleaning today, I have been thinking about the story of the shepherd boy David, the youngest of his brothers, being anointed by the prophet Samuel as the next king(1Samuel 16:1-13). The prophet is assured by God, that it is not the outward appearance that counts. Just as well, since David must have seemed really puny in comparison to his big brothers. However, the text does mention that David had "beautiful eyes". It's a strange detail to include, especially when one layer of the message seems to be that appearance doesn't matter. Those "beautiful eyes" must surely reveal something much deeper - a beautiful soul perhaps?
The Gospel reading is the one we considered mid week about a blind man being given sight. Sight that revealed Jesus to him as the Son of God. As always, lots of hidden depths in the texts this week. Lots to work with and mull over. What will God reveal to us?

Revisiting old haunts

In the past week, I've encountered two colleagues whom I haven't seen since we graduated in 1993. One of those colleagues took the time to track me down and make contact. That's a wonderful gift - to be able, rather than vaguely wonder how someone is, to go further and follow up. I don't do that nearly enough.
I could make all sorts of excuses about why I let some relationships slide. And there are some relationships that are not meant to last for ever. But I would like to be more intentional about keeping in touch. Facebook certainly helps and I am grateful for the new old friends I have made on there. But Bill's example has given me a wonderful lesson in taking the initiative.
Here's to more intentional nurturing of relationships.