Dear Friends
Life has been a bit hectic since my return from holiday in Scotland. A time away which which we were fortunate to take, it was our last as a family unit before both children leave this coming weekend to Uni, whereby Helen and I officially become empty nesters! Since then, as well as the usual picking up of correspondence and planning of work both here and down in Cambridge, there has been the fact finding and purchasing to set up the youngest on his journey across to Leeds as he starts his course there. If I’m honest, with the juggling of so many things he break already seems a bit of a distant memory, but I am glad nevertheless that I was able to take it.
Last Sunday when revisiting our church mission statement, Judith led us through the account of Mary and Martha who were offering up their home to Jesus and his entourage. One was taken up with busyness of getting things ready, the other content to spend time simply in the presence of Jesus. We reflected together on the fact that as a church, we have many different types of folk who are led to express their love for Jesus in different ways, both activists and contemplatives alike. Indeed our church should be one where all sorts of different folk can as expressed in the words of our Mission statement;
"We must be the place where all can grow into wholeness in Christ”
However I’ve also been wondering how as individuals rather than church alone, we can incorporate a healthy mix of activity and prayerful contemplation which might help us in the art of finding in life balance rather than endless juggling. Whilst on holiday, Helen and I came across a pebbly bay (shown above) which was adorned by those who had been engaged with stone balancing; patiently stacking up rock and pebbles of different sizes. I had a go later myself and as you can see below, had some limited success. It was a satisfying time which involved both quiet concentration, and activity too - in this case both at the same time.
Life has been a bit hectic since my return from holiday in Scotland. A time away which which we were fortunate to take, it was our last as a family unit before both children leave this coming weekend to Uni, whereby Helen and I officially become empty nesters! Since then, as well as the usual picking up of correspondence and planning of work both here and down in Cambridge, there has been the fact finding and purchasing to set up the youngest on his journey across to Leeds as he starts his course there. If I’m honest, with the juggling of so many things he break already seems a bit of a distant memory, but I am glad nevertheless that I was able to take it.
Last Sunday when revisiting our church mission statement, Judith led us through the account of Mary and Martha who were offering up their home to Jesus and his entourage. One was taken up with busyness of getting things ready, the other content to spend time simply in the presence of Jesus. We reflected together on the fact that as a church, we have many different types of folk who are led to express their love for Jesus in different ways, both activists and contemplatives alike. Indeed our church should be one where all sorts of different folk can as expressed in the words of our Mission statement;
"We must be the place where all can grow into wholeness in Christ”
However I’ve also been wondering how as individuals rather than church alone, we can incorporate a healthy mix of activity and prayerful contemplation which might help us in the art of finding in life balance rather than endless juggling. Whilst on holiday, Helen and I came across a pebbly bay (shown above) which was adorned by those who had been engaged with stone balancing; patiently stacking up rock and pebbles of different sizes. I had a go later myself and as you can see below, had some limited success. It was a satisfying time which involved both quiet concentration, and activity too - in this case both at the same time.
Mindful as I am that September brings with it an increased level of business for many, can I encourage us over the course of a day or a week, to find either concurrently, or at separate times, opportunities for both active times of service for Jesus, and contemplative times of prayer with him too? May we seek to lead balanced lives, and not simply frenetic juggling ones.
Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith.
Simon
Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith.
Simon
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