Choosing to walk in the light

The 21st of June is the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, the day with the longest light and least dark. Sunrise today in Glasgow is 4.27am, and sunset 21.40 – giving over 17 hours of light. The light is so glorious, and such a contrast to the 21st of December when in Glasgow there is just 7 hours of daylight. You so notice the difference here in different seasons, and many people have seasonal affective disorder, where the longer hours of darkness disrupt your circadian rhythm and lower serotonin levels, leaving you feeling pretty miserable.

There are all kinds of darkness, not just physical but emotional and spiritual. Sometimes the pressures of life can seem overwhelming, whether family pressures, a stressful workplace or just the woes of the world. We can feel that it is all a bit much- the latest humanitarian disaster, another conflict, more bad news.

In the midst of all this, I believe that God invites us to choose to walk in the light. We can dwell on the negative, endlessly scroll on our phone, and be full of self pity at the things that haven’t worked out. Or we can ask God to help us see things differently.

In first John chapter one, we are exhorted to ‘walk in the light of God’ v7. But how do we do that? Our circumstances haven’t changed, so how do we look to the light, when we are surrounded by grey and shade?

There are all kind of answers, but one strand might be to ask God to help us focus on His character and what He is doing. The bible tells us that God is forgiving and good, true and merciful, loving and just, and that in Christ He ultimately invites us all to dwell forever in His forgiving and abundant love. This alone brings us hope and purpose, if our calling is to know that incredible love and to share it with those around.

Meantime however we live in this human world with its pain and suffering, It can be tough to cope each day with disappointment or ill health or distressing memories. In Jesus’ teaching though he asks us to cast our cares on Him, not to worry, to trust and to hope. He says he will give us strength for each day, that he will heal our wounds and lift up our heads.

Jesus’ life on earth, as seen in the gospels, was characterised by teaching, healing, challenging, sharing meals and joy. However he also faced opposition, rejection, violence and betrayal. And this means he understands our most difficult of human experiences, and shows solidarity with us. He comes alongside us and through the cross, brings understanding and hope, possibilities of healing, forgiveness and grace. He sends His Holy Spirit to minister to us.

The amazing fact that the Almighty God of all the universe, can humble himself to come alongside us in our human struggles and weaknesses lifts our spirits. We are not alone, we are seen and we are loved. Jesus walks with us, and His presence dispels the darkness, and brings us hope. May we always choose to look to Him, so we can walk in the light of His love.

Father God- we have to be honest- the world can be a dark place of heartbreak and sorrow and injustice. We lament all that is broken and shattered by poverty, violence and greed. Lord Jesus Christ, you experienced the most hateful and vile side of human nature, yet You choose to love. Teach us how to live in your love, to forgive, to persevere, to hope, to trust. Even when all seems lost, may we invite Your Holy Spirit to come, to take from us that critical and negative spirit, and instead help us to see the possibilities for good. Lift us from the dark slough of despond, bring us back onto the path, give us courage, and help us choose to walk in Your light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Gaudi’s legacy…

Last year I had the privilege of visiting the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona. What a gorgeous, imaginative, exhuberant place of worship. It was the most amazing structure, the exterior with intricate carvings of the Nativity and Easter stories, and luscious motifs of plants and animals. And the interior was flooded with a kaleidoscope of colour and light.

Although the building was full of tourists, it still felt like a place built for God’s glory, and every time you turned round, you saw a new detail which caught your attention. It is a building of creativity and rich symbolism.

The really striking thing about the basilica is not just the awesome building dedicated to God. It was also the back story of Antoni Gaudi himself. He was a Catalan architect who designed many buildings around Barcelona and in northern Spain. His work was distinctive- with swirling interweavings of colour and form, of nature and of Christian symbols.

When it came to the Sagrada Familia, this was such a mammoth project, Gaudi knew it might not be finished in his life time. He started work on it in 1882, and had a whole team of architects and craftsmen working on it. It was a struggle to get people to fund such a complex structure. This was Gaudi’s final project, and he lived humbly, working on it each day. In 1926 he was hit by a tram on the street. He was dressed in an old shabby coat, and no one recognised him, so it took a while for him to be taken to hospital, and he subsequently died of his injuries.

Such a tragic story- a man with such a devotion to God, such a dedication to his art, lay injured in the streets in the city, unknown and unrecognised.

I was reminded of all this, when I saw the celebrations of the final stone being put in place last week. It was a beautiful celebration, with the fireworks and torch light worship. After 144 years, it was finally finished and Gaudi’s vision was realised. The representation of Gaudi in the sky looking at his creation with approval seeemed so fitting and so healing. It was just a pictorial representation, but the inclusion of this image felt like a spiritual completion. After all the setbacks and difficulties, at last he knew his creation was finished, and a blessing and inspiration to many. It felt so moving and meaningful.

It makes me think what is the legacy we are leaving behind us? We might not leave stunning architecture, but we might leave an example of what kindness, or love might look like (within our limitations). As Christians too, what is the legacy we leave?We do pray for the generation to come, but the younger generation often perceive we have left them a legacy of conflict, climate change and a culture of greed and individualism. In the midst of such contemporary chaos, the concept of legacy challenges all of us- how can we leave something worthwhile?

In psalm 78, the psalmist says: ‘We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power and the wonders He has done’. The psalmist wanted to share with the next generation the love snd wonder of God. Are we bold enough to share our faith also, the thing that is most precious to us, and to commit to prayer for this world. Surely, this is the very best that we can do.

Eternal God, our lives are finite, like grass that grows, flourishes and fades away. May we use each day for Your glory’s sake, making the most of every minute. Forgive us Lord Jesus that sometimes we are consumed with petty trivialities and superficial pleasures. Teach us to have a vision of what You can do through us. May we listen to Your Holy Spirit inspiring us to be faithful, loving, creative beings. Show us how to love, and how we may intentionally and prayerfully seek to leave a meaningful legacy to all those who come after us, so we can bless the generation to come, in Jesus’ name, Amen

Sunshine and showers

What a day- I have got soaked so many times, but in the midst of it all is such sunshine and colour. One minute you are wet and have soggy, squelchy shoes. Next minute, there is a rainbow reflected in the puddles- didn’t manage to capture that on camera though!

Life feels like this just now also. One minute you are making progress, next minute you are going backwards. There are times when the beauty of the world inspires, and then the ugliness of hatred and violence is heavy. There are times of good news and celebration, and times of suffering and dying.

In Deuteronomy chapter 31 verse 8: it says ‘It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’

Whatever our situation, heavy or light, sad or happy, God is with us, and prepares the way. We are not to doubt, even when there are obstacles- heavy rain or giant puddles, setbacks and frustations. He reassures us with the patient care of the best parent, and keeps us safe. And so we do not fear.

Gracious Father God, the landscape on a day of sunshine and flowers is covered with reflective drops of moisture that sparkle and dance. It is the contrast which is glorious. Our lives are filled simultaneously with such deep sorrow and radiant grace. Lord Jesus, Your love helps the sadness be bearable. Your presence enables us to celebrate the good. Thank you for the richness of life. Holy spirit, comfort us when we feel desolate and alone, remind us of the joy of our God which is our strength. Bless all who feel under a dark cloud this day, and may rays of sunshine break through and bring hope. Amen.

The concert.

I am not always a concert person, but this was an exception. I came to Mary Black’s final tour, because she was a singer that my late husband Colin introduced me too. We went to one of her concerts together many years ago, and so it seemed really fitting to come to this concert, as I had so many memories attached to her songs.

I didn’t really know what to expect, but any expectations I had were blown away. Firstly there were the people I met- people from all over the world – from Australia to South Carolina. They were so friendly, and experts on songs, albums, writers, recording companies. I learned so much.

And then there was the concert itself. When we had heard her sing decades ago, her voice was mesmerising, singing songs like ‘Bright Blue Rose’ – with a voice that was so pure, and which soared and glided in such a controlled but modulated way that was electric. Just one song was stunning, never mind a concert ful!

This time, Mary’s voice had changed, and she didn’t have the range she used to have, which you expect as some one gets older. However she had a continued passion and enjoyment in her music, and a reflectiveness about her career, the songs that meant so much, the people she had met along the way, that was so moving. It was such a privilege to be there, and to see Mary sing wth her daughter Roisin, and the amazing musicianship from the band of musicians. It felt like a real family.

And in her songs, one of the themes was to cherish each moment we are given. It was so good to be there, and to remember. My late husband was very unwell for years before his death, and often when I think of him, I think of these difficult times. But at the concert, I remembered how much he liked singing, his appreciation of music, and of his enthusiastic dancing, and they were beautiful memories.

I was so deeply thankful to have attended this concert. It was so emotional, one person reflecting on her musical career, but so many of the audience also reflecting on their lives. It was like we all grew older together. Memories, tears, thankfulness and joy.

Gracious God, we thank you again for the power of music, to evoke emotion, to inspire, to tell a story. We thank you for singers and musicians who are so gifted in transporting us to a different dimension with their craft, their soul and warmth and vision. The Psalms are your song book, and singing is such a powerful way to express our experiences. Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of music, and the sacred message it can bring, the energy, the comfort, the motivation to give thanks. Holy Spirit, even when we might have felt we have lost our voice for a while, help us rediscover it, and to keep on singing.

After waiting, Pentecost discovery.

We spend so much of our lives waiting. We start waiting with expectation and excitement, but as time goes on, we can lose energy and hope. We are still waiting, but we can become less trusting. We worry about what can go wrong, rather than being hopeful about what might change for the better.

Today is Pentecost Sunday, a day in the Christian church when we think of the coming of the holy spirit. This is based on a reading from Acts chapter 2, where the holy spirit is described like a violent wind, tongues of fire, enabling them to speak in all languages.

The disciples had been waiting in Jerusalem, we think for about 10 days, since Jesus returned to be with His heavenly Father, for the coming of the holy spirit. The disciples, the women and Jesus family waited and prayed, maybe finding strength in community.

In verse 2 of our passage, it says that the holy spirit came to the house in which they were sitting. I love that detail- they were sitting, and the holy spirit came to them.

Sometimes we have no energy to get out and about, we have no motivation to get around, but even if we are sitting in a chair, the Holy Spirit can find us.

God comes to find us. We may be hiding or feel lost or out of sorts, but God stoops down to come alongside us. In the New Living Translation of Psalm 116 in verse 2 it says:

‘Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath.’

Amazing- the King of all the Universe bends down to listen to us, to show us compassion, to bring us healing.

And even more that this, He sends His Holy Spirit, the breathe of life, to breath colour and vibrancy and energy into us, to help us live more fully, with that purpose of sharing His love with all. Pentecost is a time of such grace and gifting, we have cause to be thankful, and to discover all that God wants to share with us.

Father God, sometimes we feel too small, too unworthy to be noticed by You. We are hiding from you. Yet in Jesus Christ You offer us forgiveness for our shortcomings and mistakes. And then You send Your Holy spirit to us, even whilst we sit in our chairs. There is no where we can hide from You, that is beyond Your discovery. You come with the sound of a violent wind to blow away the dross and cobwebs in our lives. You come as the fire, to give us colour and passion. You speak to us of your tender love, You remind us that You see us, that You plan to restore and revive us, and we surrender, grateful for this day.

(Illustration from Free Photo Library)

Yearning for justice.

There is so much injustice here and around the world- people at the back of the queue for surgery, trapped in a cycle of spiralling debt repayments, homeless on our streets, people facing discrimination and exploitation, languishing in refugee camps or facing persecution. So many people face prejudice and injustice because of where they were born, age, disability, gender, religion- the list goes on.

I worry that we just get used to it. We just accept that life is not fair, and put up with it, for ourselves, our loved ones and the people around us.

Christianity, at its best challenges injustice. In the prophets like Isaiah, Amos and Micah there are repeated calls to treat everyone fairly. The first time I heard Isaiah 58, I was blown away. It is a call for ‘true fasting’ – to treat workers fairly, to share your food with the hungry, to give shelter to the poor, to satisfy the needs of the oppressed. That is how we are meant to live, every day.

Jesus called us to do the same- just think of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25. Every time we feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, show hospitality to the stranger, look after the sick or visit the prisoner, it is as if we are doing it for Jesus.

We are called to work for justice, to give to those in need, to pray for peace. How we live every day changes the world for good or ill. We can be grumpy and self seeking, or kind and thoughtful. I fail at this every day, but I ask God to change me and make me more like Jesus. If people really lived out their faith, what a difference it would make.

I yearn for a world where people are seen and valued, where people do not live in fear of bullying or violence, where children are safe, the marginalised in safe havens, and where there is justice for all.

There is an inspiring vision of heaven in Revelation 21:3- 4 ‘ now the dwelling of God is with people, and He will be with them. They will be His people, and God will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’

We are reminded that God cares passionately about justice, and about alleviating suffering. May we continue His work on earth, and may we not settle for second best.

Eternal God, we thank You for that vision of the new heaven and the new earth, where there is no more suffering and pain, for You are with your people, and Your love transforms all. Lord Jesus, we want to do your will, but sometimes we get weary, help us rest and then find renewal. Sometimes it has all seemed overwhelming, and we have grown complacent and apathetic, may Your holy Spirit stir us up, and remind us what is important. May we yearn for Your kingdom, a place of healing and light and justice, where all are offered mercy, and may we use our gifts and skills to make a difference where we can.

Never give up!

I have been doing some DIY with my new electric screwdriver. To say that things have not gone well, would be an understatement. I have a number of tasks in my pending file. My assignment this week was to put the pole back in my wardrobe- it having fallen off, with my clothes down at the bottom.

With steely concentration, I went out and bought wardrobe pole brackets to fit to the shelf above, to make it extra secure. However there was a lip on the shelf, which meant they would not stay in place. I then made a second excursion to get a different style of bracket (who knew), but they were too narrow. I tried to file the pole down with my nailfile so they would fit, but after 20 min gave up! After a third adventure, I purchased a different size of bracket, and this fitted.

Dear reader, you may be thinking that the drama was now over, and all was right with the world. But no- it was not to be.

Now I had to fix the bracket to the wardrobe. I realised quickly that you had to put the pole in the bracket first, or it would not fit. I had charged the electric screwdriver, and was waving it skillfully in the air. But firstly it would not move. Then some one showed me that the screw head could go round in different ways. This seemed a redundant function. Why would I want the screw driver to turn the other way. Maybe in America they do it differently? Or maybe the magnetic pole in Australia causes screws to move the other way? It is only in the last hour I was enlightened that the screwdriver moves the opposite way to get the screws out.

The task has taken a long time. The angles involved in getting the brackets attached without dropping the pole have been pretty jaw dropping. It has been touch and go. The brackets are kind of attached, but I am worried that if I put any clothes on the pole it might collapse, and I’ll have to do it all again. So maybe I won’t hang anything up just yet…….

Try something new they say! It is a tad stressful, and boy do you need to persevere, to keep trying, to keep going. And in the end it might not work out.

Sometimes we persevere in our Christian faith, but there seem more steps back than forward, some missteps along the way, some detours. In Galatians chapter 6 verse 9 it says ‘ let us not become weary in doing good, for at the propoer time we will reap a harvest if we will not give up.’

A bit of carpentry is a silly example to make, but frustration, confusion and chaos all resulted from my efforts. When it is something more serious, navigating a complicated education system or sorting out medical support, the stakes are so much higher. Yet we are still called to persevere, and hopefully our efforts will one day be fruitful. We just need to keep on going.

Creator God, you created us to be original beings, to invent and make and build. Help us to do this well, and to be able to laugh and forgive ourselves when we get it wrong. Lord Jesus, You are the Master Carpenter, able to shape wood into practical and beautiful objects, and people into loving channels of your peace and grace. Yet sometimes we resist You, and are defiant. May we be willing to become softer, more pliable, to be guided by your Holy Spirit, open to your leading and to live live lives fashioned by Your love, so we can reflect Your beauty. Hear our prayer we ask, for it is our heart’s desire, in your Son’s name. Amen

Exploding fish!

My cooker is not working just now, so I have been using the microwave more. I tried to cook fish, but you can see what happened. It started off well, but then there was a bang, and there were bits of fish all over the place. It didn’t smell brilliant either.

My cooking skills are such that people do not come round for food! Tea, coffee, cake maybe, but food cooked in some form and put on a plate- unlikely. Some of my culinary disasters are the stuff of legend.

Sometimes we have an image of what we are meant to be like. We should be able to cook, be tidy, be punctual etc. But no one can live up to all of this. No human being can live up to societal roles, and maybe we just need to be accepted for being ourselves, even if it means smoke coming out the microwave.

So often in the Bible, we are reminded that God loves us, even if we can’t cook, hold a tune or whatever it is. We are all flawed, and we are always going to struggle with some things. Words by Paul in Romans help.

‘God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us whilst we were still sinners.’ Romans 5:8

We might be tempted to focus on our failings and shortcomings, big and small, and that can be tough. We might despair that we are not stronger, more confident, more able. Yet God sees us as we are, with all our faults, and still looks at us with love and mercy. We are so blessed that we are accepted as we are, and maybe we need to accept ourselves also.

Gracious God, You are merciful, Your love is abundant and pure. You see us, our gifts and our shortcomings. You strengthen all that is good within us, Lord Jesus, and You gave your life for all our faults and failings, so we can receive forgiveness and be at peace. Thank you that you help us live at peace with who we are. We still ask that you send your holy spirit to continue to shape us to be more like Jesus- but meantime in the midst of our failures and weaknesses we can also live without shame and condemnation. Thank you for your grace, Amen..

Beautiful souls.

In recent weeks, a number of friends have passed away. The world seems an impoverished place because of their loss. They were people of creativity and positivity, of grace and faith. They were a joy to spend time with, to learn from, to be inspired by. Their Christian faith shone from them. I pray for their loved ones who miss them intensely.

In the midst of a world where people can be detached and difficult, it is good to remember those who have gone before us, who have inspired and blessed us. Having sifted my memories, I have realised afresh the vast number of beautiful souls whom I have had the privilege of meeting. People who have been gifted teachers, who have cared selflessly for loved ones, who inspired by their life choices, who have shown kindness in the most difficult of circumstances. It is good to pause and notice all who have blessed and encouraged us.

In Hebrews chapter 12, in verse 1, we are told that : ‘since we are surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses, let us throw of everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’ This is a beautiful reminder of the encouragement of those who have gone before us, that they are cheering us on, as we seek to put one foot in front of another. It speaks of how we are all united in Christ in this life and the next, and of the assurance and connection which this brings.

We give thanks for these people who have had such a positive impact on our lives, and we are grateful. It also makes me reflect on how many beautiful souls are still about today, people who pray, who encourage, who show up even when it is costly.

It is good to realise all the inspirational people who bless us, and for us to take every opportunity to say how much we appreciate them. We might remember them in our prayers, send a text, or send a card. So often we can take people for granted, and so taking time to say we see them and value them can be crucial. There are so many who criticise and judge, it is more important than ever to lift one another up, and to appreciate and encourage.

Gracious God, we ask forgiveness that people in this world can be so polarised in their opinions, so ready to criticise and disparage. I confess that I also can be quick to judge. Cleanse me, Lord Jesus, and help me to love as you love me. Help me cultivate an attitude of grace and appreciation to others, to speak kind and true words, and only what is necessary. May the example of beautiful souls inspire us, to seek to reflect Your love and light in this world. Holy spirit, with thankful hearts, may we honour their legacy, may we create rather than destroy, build rather than tear down, and wherever possible bless and encourage, in Jesus’ name, Amen

Dawn- every day a new beginning.

It sounds so obvious, but every day is a new beginning. The temptation can be to dwell in the past, to go over old memories, for them to dominate our priorities and decision making.

Of course our experiences shape our character and our choices. We give thanks for what is good, and lament over the pain and the grief. Yet it is so important that the darker experiences don’t obscure the good or restrict our capacity for hope. It is easy to dwell in the slough of despond, that it speaks of in Pilgrim’s Progress. In Bunyon’s Pilgrim’s Progress, this is characterised as a place of guilt and despair, a place that only God can rescue us, and bring us back onto the path, so we can move forward.

We might have regrets- times where we wonder if we made the best choice. We might have guilt- I wish I had not said that. We might wrestle with consequences of our actions, and the melancholy of wondering what if.

For me, the healthiest way of dealing with this, is just to give it all to God. I can’t change the past, but I can ask God to bless and bring healing to all who are hurting, and to help me to find peace, to forgive myself and to rest in His love.

In this season of anniversaries and sadnesses, I need to bring to Jesus all the loose ends of my life, and ask for the Holy Spirit to disintangle the mess, and to help me refocus, to learn from the past, but to have the courage to start again each day.

Jesus often withdrew from people to find solitude and pray. (Mark 1:35).We might choose to do that in different ways. For me the dawn is one of these sacred moments of peace. It is after the depth of darkness and feelings of fear and overwhelming lament and worry, that the rays of dawn are most welcome. The darkness is dispelled, and light, beauty and love re emerge. In truth, they have been there all along, but were just obscured by circumstances. And so with a lighter heart, the new day reminds us of fresh possibilities for growth and blessing, opportunities to venture out once more.

Gracious God, thank You for the gift of each new day. Help us to treasure it, as our life goes past so quickly. Lord Jesus, we give the past into Your hands, and pray for insight and healing, but help us not to live solely in the sadnesses of the past. Lift us out of the dark pit, and give us a new song to sing, that we might voice a melody of beauty, love and hope. Holy Spirit You know where we are in this moment, our personal histories of joy and sorrow, of trauma and questioning. Bring healing and peace in the way that only You can. And may each morning bring us word of your unfailing love, grace and hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.