Beauty surrounds us, but we usually need to be walking in a garden to know it - Rumi
Sorry this reflection is a bit late this week but I have had one of those “blank page” days. Anyone who writes reflections, devotions, assignments or even full blown sermons, will understand what I mean; sitting, staring at a blank computer screen whilst the clock is ticking. The deadline is looming. I must get something down on paper but nothing is coming. What am I going to say?
Even if you don’t write then there will be meetings to attend, people to meet, kids to get to school or after school activities. There is always so much to do. How are you to get everything done within the 24 hour day? As a result sometimes things are said or written that on reflection could have been expressed better, perhaps sadly someone is hurt by what we say or do, unintentionally on our part, of course but still... The other day whilst on our way to the shops our progress was impeded by a nervous learner driver whose confidence in his own ability meant that he was driving rather too slowly for the road conditions. The frustration became too much for the car driver behind us as, regardless of the road conditions, he overtook both our car and the learner in front. His impatience was frankly reckless and could have caused a nasty accident. Sometimes we need to pause, to take few deep breaths and take time to speak to God, to ask Him what He wants us to do; to ask for His guidance. I found this prayer that the other day that maybe sums it all up: The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals He provides me with images of stillness Which restores my serenity. He leads me in the way of efficiency Through calmness of mind And His guidance is peace. Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day I will not fret, for His presence is here. His timelessness, His all importance will keep me in balance He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of activity By anointing my mind with his oils of tranquillity My cup of joyous energy overflows Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours For I shall walk in the pace of my Lord And dwell in His house for ever. Toki Miyashina (The Hodder Book of Prayers compiled by Rosemary Curtis London 1997) So what happened to the car that overtook us? We caught up with him at the next traffic lights.
1 Comment
Steve Givens
2/5/2016 03:25:31 pm
Thanks for the reminder that it's okay to slow down and have a blank page day. But not today!!
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AuthorI am an Authorised Local Preacher in an Anglo Catholic parish church, in the Diocese of Essex UK Archives
February 2022
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