Tag: finding space

Spiritual spaghetti junctions!

finding your way……

When driving, sometimes you find yourself at a large intersection, which it can be hard to navigate. You have to be in the right lane at the right time, to get to the next set of options, just to find your route through. You have to be alert and orientated to find the right path to take you to your destination.

In life, we find ourselves facing many choices. Some seem small, like what to eat, what to wear, what kind of washing machine to buy. However every choice we make, says something about us, and affects how we live, and how we feel about ourselves.

Then we come to our soul choices, what to be listen to, what should we be doing, what is our purpose? What are our priorities in life? We seldom take time, just to ponder and reflect. Maybe over the summer, we need to take time to do this, to take time out, and to ask God what is our purpose in this new season? 

Sometimes it seems as if we are in a spiritual spaghetti junction. There is so much in this world that we are not in control of. Yet there are some choices we can make- even just our daily habits. How do we adopt healthy rhythms in life- food, exercise and rest? And what about spiritual practices- time to reflect on our formation- who are we becoming- are we more like Jesus or less, do we regularly connect with Him in prayer, bible reading and praise, and is the way we do this good for our souls? We pray that God will help us find the best choices for us at any stage of our lives.

Maybe just now we are struggling with a destructive habit or negative attitude. Especially when we are tired, we can revert to old ways of thinking which bring the temptation of cynicism or resentment. They can lead us to spiral to a dark place.

In the midst of our struggles, God sees us. In psalm 40 it says that when we are at the bottom of the pit, He lifts us up, and gives us a firm place to stand, to a Rock which gives us stability and refuge. He guides our path, even in the midst of the myriad of choices possible, leading us to safety.

May we always remember to say ‘ Come Holy Spirit’ for the Spirit is our guide in the most complex and confusing of places. Even when we are perplexed and bewildered, the Holy Spirit speaks to us- through the bible, through the words of a song, though a friend. And then the road ahead becomes clearer, our purpose comes more sharply into focus, and we are able to go forward.

Father God, this world is such a busy place with so many possible routes- some which takes us from You, and others that lead us to You. Lord Jesus- reveal to us more of Your will for our lives. In the midst of our choices, both big and small, Holy Spirit protect us from what is wrong, and strengthen us to follow Your ways. Help us take time to discern what is nurturing, constructive and pleasing to You, so we can grow in our faith, and be Your ambassadors in this world. Help us not to be overwhelmed, and to know Your leading. Give us courage to follow we pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen

The story of a dog and a sofa!

Not so much left!

Before I start my story, I want to tell you that I have a marvellous dog. He has been rehomed, and he is a character! In recent months, he has been experimenting with his claws on my sofa. He doesn’t mean anything by it, but the duct tape to repair it has become less effective. And then one day, it looked like this!

It was a very old sofa, over 20 years, and past its best. I decided it was not salvageable, and that I need to let it and the two chairs go………

What happened next was a surprise however, for the room seemed much bigger. With a little help, I moved the furniture about, and repositioned things, got two lighter chairs, and actually the room is so much better- less cluttered and heavy, and more spacious! It has been transformed.

My dog has taught me the gift of letting go. By taking the sofa and matching chairs to the dump, I made space for something new, which feels like a lighter and more flexible space.

I always love Ecclesiastes chapter three, that there is a time for everything under the sun, and in verse 6 it says ‘ there is a time to keep, and a time to throw away.’ As our lives go on, there is a time to hold on to stuff from the past, but also a time to let go of some things, to make space for the new. It is a difficult discernment, and is always evolving, but the symbolism seems potent. May we all recognise what needs to be put to one side, to make space for God to do a new thing.

Gracious God, there is a rhythm to life, and so many different seasons. There is eternity in each one, yet paradoxically they go by so fast. Childhood, adulthood, perhaps parenting, and then dependency once more. Lord Jesus, you are the same yesterday, today and forever, and you accompany us in every stage, and bring meaning and significance. Sometimes we want to tarry where we are comfortable, but your spirit stirs us up, and leads us forward, enabling us to let go, and making space for something new, like eagles out of a nest. Thank you, that You speak to our hearts in so many ways, and gently lead us, so we might learn to fly. Give us courage to see new possibilities, and to embrace them, Amen.