Just Be

Gloucester Cathedral is such a beautiful place to just be. I could loose myself for hours here. These beautiful windows by Thomas Denny were made to mark the 900th anniversary of the Cathedral which was originally built as an abbey (Saint Peter’s) in 1089. The middle window depicts Thomas and the windows either side are based on Psalm 148 and the praise of God’s creation. The windows seem to bathe you in their warm blue light as you stop and gaze upwards at them. 

There is so much rushing around in this world the pace of life really isn’t healthy for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The Covid-19 pandemic has been so difficult but one of the good things is that it has caused many of us to slow down and to reconsider our priorities in life. So what’s important to you? 

Thomas, known as ‘doubting Thomas’ had to put his hand in Jesus’ side to prove Jesus’ resurrection. He wanted to see those nail marks and where the spear pierced Jesus’ side, he had to be sure! Perhaps you to doubt God’s existence? Look around you and see his creation. The spectacular views from the hills and mountain tops, the flowers in the meadows, the streams meandering through the valleys, the ocean as it hits the rocks - can you really look at that and say for sure there is no God? 

Perhaps the pandemic has made you angry with God? I can understand that, God does to. It’s Ok to be angry with God, he’s big enough to take it. Life has been hard for so many of us. We don’t have to face those tough times on our own God is there with us. Take time to just be - to be with God with no agenda, just you and him. Try it. Invite him to talk to you through the wonders of his creation. And if you know him already then take a moment anyway and let his peace fill your soul. Just be. 

One year since the UK went into Lockdown

It has been a year since England first went into lockdown due to to covid-19. What a year it has been!

It has become very apparent that we all need each other. Isolation has done nothing for our mental health and has particularly effected children and young people, and those who were already in danger of toppling over the edge. We have all needed a helping hand but reaching out is never easy, especially if you are struggling. That’s why community is important.

The world has had to slow down and rethink its steps, no bad thing. We have had to think about the things that are important to us. Priorities have changed. So, what has changed for you? When we eventually come out of this pandemic the world will be a much different place. How could we, or it, remain the same? 

In my own spiritual walk I have become more contemplative. Please don’t give me lots of words to inwardly digest but hit me with the simplicity of one thought to ponder. Give me a camera, or a piece of paper and a pen, or some paints, and let me loose in the garden of the Almighty. Let me ‘be’ with God. The doing will come later but for now I sit at my Saviours feet and wait a while. Will you come and join me? Will you take the Father’s outstretched hand and place yours in his?