Dear friends,
Settling down to write this, I’ve just shed one (my down gillet) of the 4 layers that are currently keeping me snug and warm. Certainly as we find ourselves in the season of autumn with the nights starting to draw in, comfort and cosiness begins to look increasingly appealing. As temperatures plummet outside, there is nothing better than to feel warm safe and snug indoors.
Apparently in recent years, the Danish term ‘hygge’ has become the word to describe this blissful state of contentment and well-being. This is largely thanks to the hundreds of books, blogs and articles dedicated to this quintessentially Danish concept. Pronounced hhoo-guh, it refers to a deep sense of place, warmth, friendship and contentment. For many, it’s about enjoying the smaller, simpler things in life, like reading a book in front of a fire whilst sipping on a hot chocolate, or putting on a thick, hand-knitted jumper. The term also incorporates a sense of being close to loved ones, feeling safe and stable. Indeed ‘hygge' has become so popular in English, that in 2016 both the Oxford Dictionary and Collins Dictionary named it as one of their words of the year.
Obviously, with the current Covid situation we are encountering, we are restricted in the number of people we can physically share 'hygge’ with. However, that doesn’t mean we have to experience it alone. For another keyword that was our focus a few years ago, and a favourite of Mike Corcoran our former curate, was ‘abide’; God choosing to dwell and make his home with us. So please be encouraged to mindfully invite God into your autumnal activities. Be it time with a book, a hot drink, a cuddle with your favourite blanket - invite God to share the experience with you, and enjoy it together. May we indeed know the 'hygge' that God wants for each one of us.
Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith.
Simon
Settling down to write this, I’ve just shed one (my down gillet) of the 4 layers that are currently keeping me snug and warm. Certainly as we find ourselves in the season of autumn with the nights starting to draw in, comfort and cosiness begins to look increasingly appealing. As temperatures plummet outside, there is nothing better than to feel warm safe and snug indoors.
Apparently in recent years, the Danish term ‘hygge’ has become the word to describe this blissful state of contentment and well-being. This is largely thanks to the hundreds of books, blogs and articles dedicated to this quintessentially Danish concept. Pronounced hhoo-guh, it refers to a deep sense of place, warmth, friendship and contentment. For many, it’s about enjoying the smaller, simpler things in life, like reading a book in front of a fire whilst sipping on a hot chocolate, or putting on a thick, hand-knitted jumper. The term also incorporates a sense of being close to loved ones, feeling safe and stable. Indeed ‘hygge' has become so popular in English, that in 2016 both the Oxford Dictionary and Collins Dictionary named it as one of their words of the year.
Obviously, with the current Covid situation we are encountering, we are restricted in the number of people we can physically share 'hygge’ with. However, that doesn’t mean we have to experience it alone. For another keyword that was our focus a few years ago, and a favourite of Mike Corcoran our former curate, was ‘abide’; God choosing to dwell and make his home with us. So please be encouraged to mindfully invite God into your autumnal activities. Be it time with a book, a hot drink, a cuddle with your favourite blanket - invite God to share the experience with you, and enjoy it together. May we indeed know the 'hygge' that God wants for each one of us.
Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith.
Simon
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