Musings

What are you waiting for? The setting sun always holds my attention. A simple moment of transition from light into darkness. Waiting and longing. Hoping and praying. The assurance of the return of light, with the journey of longing.

Each moment, held in the hands of the God of love who holds everything, so that nothing is lost. Trust and hope, banishing fear.

Step out and begin the journey.

Herons are amazing birds; here is one captured on camera a few days ago. This one waited patiently for a long time, for the reward of a fish. I was captivated and held speechless.

Everything seemed as if time was standing still. The heron seemed oblivious to all that was occurring, except the focus on catching the fish.

It occurred to me that we as humans are playing ‘catch up’ with the heron, who already understands that he is held by the grace of God. This grace is freely given to all, human and other parts of the created world.

Treat yourself to a patient moment, and allow the moment to fill your soul in thankfulness.

The dimming of the day, earlier this week. I stood and watched the sun go down and I was content. The cycle continues, of which each of us is a part. We may feel overwhelmed by the enormity of what we observe, and feel overcome by what we see. but the we are not overwhelmed.

Endings pass into beginnings, and as time passes the cycle reveals itself. Guided by the hand of God.

Let your eyes rest on the horizon and let the dimming envelop you as you give thanks, even in the difficult days and moments. Thanks be to God.

You can’t beat a good tree…even when it has passed its living years! I took this photograph a couple of years ago, and have just rediscovered it.

To be perfectly honest I feel that all I need to do at this point is to just leave you with the scene and allow you to think your own thoughts. I discovered that apart from human beings, trees are the most numerous living things noted in the Bible. My thoughts are centred on the wooden cross, upon which Jesus was crucified.

There are living trees and dead ones in the photograph. Life in the middle of death. each have a place and space.

We have our place and time and are held in the hands God. No ifs, and’s or buts

The Iconic ‘Fergie Tractor’, caught on camera a couple of days ago, as part of a ‘Tractor run’, raising money annually. Lots of memories from my formative days with my grandfather, in his Market Garden.

Memories are powerful moments for each of us. My grandfather had endless patience with me! Teaching me in his own unique way. The sound and movement of this machine, brought me a tear or two.

God’s love for each of us, is unique. He understands each of us, and leaves us to find him in our own way. Nothing forced or cajoled. The simple whisper in our own heart and soul….our own memories woven together with the depth of the love of God.

‘Be not far away, O Lord; you are my strength; hasten to help me.’

Enough said, seemingly. The elements of the cry of the human heart. The thirst for hope and faith which lies within us. The refreshment of the Holy Spirit in our longing moments.

Let the movement of the water across the stone disc, be a sign for you and to you, from the Creator of all. In the moments of your existence, and beyond this time, the beauty of all creation is offered to each of us.

God is nearer to us than we are to ourselves; the Creator draws us through the ordinary moments of life and reveals hope within our longing…..

Darkness, twilight, and shadows intertwined into a scene of tranquillity. The resting of the day, passing into twilight. The setting sun pointing to shadows and allowing the night to make its entrance.

Jesus Christ truly proclaimed that He was ‘the way, the truth and the light,’ beyond the resting and the waiting and the darkness.

All is held by God. It is left to us to explore the meaning from our own experiences, and to not be afraid.

Jesus promised that nothing would be lost ….. all is held by his love. You and I, negotiating the twists and turns of our lives.

Peace be with you, always and in every way!

The promise of new possibilities, displayed by the colours of the flowers. The whole scene draws us into a moment of reflection. The moment of recognition that lifts our spirits and allows us to gives thanks for the glory of natural world, which we are part of!

Allow yourself to be immersed in the colour and give thanks to the God of love who brings the vibrancy of the moment to reach into our hearts,

The Lord bless you and keep you, and make his face to shine upon you….

‘There is always room for hope’….A phrase that has lodged in my mind after I heard it recently. These vibrant flowers speak of new possibilities and the promise of new horizons.

The road of faith which we all take, every moment of every day, is permeated with the the whispering of God’s Holy Spirit, as we celebrated last Sunday, the Day of Pentecost!

The hope of renewal of our spiritual lives, which God gives us without barriers or hoops to jump through!

Sea wall, rocky shoreline, expansive sky, and in the distance, the lighthouse on coquet Island…..and a silhouette of me taking the photograph! Oooops!

A moment in time which is held in my consciousness. The still point of thankfulness that we all need at least some time during the day. I’m preaching to myself here as I write this!

Jesus claimed that he is, ‘the way, the truth and the life’, the gatherer of moments. So during your times of reflection in the days ahead, let the elements of this photograph prompt your thinking.