Last week,  I managed to escape to the Lake District, to Dove Cottage in Grasmere. It was the home to William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy from 1799, and then later to the wider family. It is in the most besutiful setting, near the lake, and nestled  amongst the most beautiful and fantastically shaped hills and crags. It is such a memorable and peaceful setting, and well worth a visit.

I studied some of Wordsworth’s poetry at university, Lyrical Ballads, a collection of poems published with Samuel Coleridge in 1798, and then some of his other poems, especially the Prelude. Wordsworth defined poetry as ‘ a spontaneous overflow of powerful feeling. It takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility’. So much of his poetry was about finding joy and meaning in ordinary rural scenes, the inspiration of nature, and the power of the imagination.

In the midst of all this, he also spoke of ‘spots of time’ and of how childhood memories can have a lasting influence our formation, transcendent moments that often carry joy and meaning. The idea is a glorious one, of significant moments that speak to us of the eternal.

For me this visit to Dove Cottage, and to sit at Wordsworth’s desk, to remind me of his poetry, was so meaningful, because it connected me with my student days, and also a family visit made there 20 years ago. These were good memories, that brought solace.

It is so good to reconnect with the past at times, and to join with Paul in ‘ giving thanks in all circumstances’ 1 Thessalonians 5:18. There is so much to be thankful for, and in the lyrical setting of Grasmere, a deep awareness of the presence and power of God are almost tangible. I give thanks for all poets and writers, musicians and playrights, who inspire us and challenge us to appreciate the gift of our surroundings, of memory, the imagination and of beauty.

Eternal God, You endow us with the gift of life, which is so precious, with the joy of family and friends, of nature and connection. We thankyou for time to slow down, to read and to contemplete and to reflect. Lord Jesus, we praise You for inspirational writers and creative people who inspire us to notice all that is significant, even in little things, and to see Your hand at work in our world. Holy spirit, you often bless us with ‘ spots of time’, moments of extraordinary realisation and even communion with You. May we be ever attentive to the loveliness and joy possible to discern in our world, Amen.