
Dear Friends
Since the weekend, our lives in this particular part of Brunswick have been blighted by a high pitched whine, emerging (we think) from one of the large new buildings that have gone up by the estate. Bearable (just about) by day, when competing with the other sounds of the city, together with the building works going on, it invades the night time quiet and dominates everything else. Sleep has proved really difficult! Indeed, it’s the sort of noise that once you are aware of it, it’s hard to focus on anything else. Last night I tried ear plugs (to no avail), tonight I shall attempt to concentrate on something positive, such as singing a hymn or chorus in my head.
Last week when reading one of Psalms together at morning prayer, Jess and I reflected on the many choruses and hymns that had originated from it, and what an inspiration it was to be reminded of them. Certainly in this household, singing out loud is one of the current deprivations that we feel the most when it comes to the current restrictions. But it also reminded me of what an amazing back catalogue of songs over the years that I can draw upon, especially those rooted in scripture, that can speak, be an encouragement (or a least a helpful distraction) to me, even if sung inwardly rather than outwardly. This Lent, within our small Sunday group, the general consensus has been to look to “take on” rather “give up” things for this particular season. We are indeed choosing as the author of the letter to the Philippians would put it, to: “….fill (y)our minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable.”
May we all, whatever distractions, restrictions or limitations we find ourselves living under, be encouraged to fill our minds with good things, and not obsess on that which might bring us down.
Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith.
Simon
Since the weekend, our lives in this particular part of Brunswick have been blighted by a high pitched whine, emerging (we think) from one of the large new buildings that have gone up by the estate. Bearable (just about) by day, when competing with the other sounds of the city, together with the building works going on, it invades the night time quiet and dominates everything else. Sleep has proved really difficult! Indeed, it’s the sort of noise that once you are aware of it, it’s hard to focus on anything else. Last night I tried ear plugs (to no avail), tonight I shall attempt to concentrate on something positive, such as singing a hymn or chorus in my head.
Last week when reading one of Psalms together at morning prayer, Jess and I reflected on the many choruses and hymns that had originated from it, and what an inspiration it was to be reminded of them. Certainly in this household, singing out loud is one of the current deprivations that we feel the most when it comes to the current restrictions. But it also reminded me of what an amazing back catalogue of songs over the years that I can draw upon, especially those rooted in scripture, that can speak, be an encouragement (or a least a helpful distraction) to me, even if sung inwardly rather than outwardly. This Lent, within our small Sunday group, the general consensus has been to look to “take on” rather “give up” things for this particular season. We are indeed choosing as the author of the letter to the Philippians would put it, to: “….fill (y)our minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable.”
May we all, whatever distractions, restrictions or limitations we find ourselves living under, be encouraged to fill our minds with good things, and not obsess on that which might bring us down.
Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith.
Simon