Gnibbled by Gnats- Look, See, Pray

Gnibbled by gnats. Grrr. Not a major problem, more of an irritating inconvenience. What do gnats gnibble when they can’t eat people?

Little things with an impact far bigger than we expect can be distracting, annoying, and disruptive. Untreated- or worse still, scratched bloody- what seem like tiny aggravations can become a danger to our bodies or peace of mind.

We tend to think that it’s the major crisis or awkward problem that will cause most grief in life. Strangely, sometimes we cope better with the big things: they demand our attention and time, and we can’t ignore them. So we get on with it or get help. But gnat bites demand that we focus on them… and mosquitoes are even worse! (If you ever visit Yosemite Valley, don’t stand by the rivers without protective clothing… I did. Once. Aargh!)

Imagine standing here, admiring the mountains and river, and losing it when the itching starts. Each gnibble is insignificant(-ish). Together, they torment and terrorise our very being!

Perhaps I’m the only weak one. You may be strong-willed and single-minded. But so often in my experience it’s the “trivial” troubles that derail my progress: especially my discipleship. Following the Way of Jesus is never easy; and the small annoying habits and “I should know better” choices that make my path stonier than it need be.

The “Letter to the Hebrews” calls on us to emulate those faithful Christlike people who have run the race before us, often paying a higher cost than us, and overcome the big and little trials of faith. How? By fixing our focus on the One who overcame even the Cross. It sounds simple, even simplistic. Will we be beaten by the gnats that gnibble? Or the lions that roar? Or run to win the prize?

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Not Too Bad, Really- Look, See, Pray

I’m proud of good old-fashioned English understatement… our ability to face both disaster or triumph with equanimity- so, when asked “How are you? How’s things?” the classic response is “Not too bad, really. Things could be worse.”

On a day where the wind blew straight through you and the crackle of ice under foot as the snow froze could be heard, this golden retriever was as happy as Larry. Snow was sent for playtime not for being miserable. Dogs are probably hardier than we are! Every single human being was heading for the cafe or back to the car. But I reckon at least some of those dog owners would have said “Things could be worse” even as the Arctic clouds dropped another load of the white stuff on their heads.

This phlegmatic Britishness is quite admirable in its own way. In times of national crisis we have often faced horrible things with a smile provided there’s still a cup of tea on the table. Is that enough? It’s a pretty “low bar” to say things could be worse.

As people of faith, we surely have a better basis for confidence. Here is a short list!

God is Sovereign, so we can trust in the ultimate outcome.
Jesus has promised to be beside us in life and death.
The Lord often finds human “plans” amusingly futile.
Our hope in Christ is eternal and certain.
The Love we have received can be passed on to benefit others.

These verses (below) are a Bible basis for our positivity:

Exodus 20 v2-3
Matthew 28 v20
Psalm 2 v1-4
Hebrews 6 v19
1 Peter 4 v10

These are just a taste of the sweetness of Christian hope. Why not search out some more examples of the BETTER way of faith?

(Also published on reflectionary.org )

Worth waiting for… Look, See, Pray

Waiting is worthwhile.

On Saturday, I posted a photo of this iris tightly furled and reflected on the value of patience.

Today it is fully open- and I love it.

Christian faith is built on the faithful and loving nature of God. In this age of “urgency” and hurry, it is important to remember that even though we have to wait for the final revelation of the perfect Kingdom of God, and may have to struggle with issues that take time to resolve, we CAN trust Him.

Here’s a truth to meditate on today: Hebrews 10:23 (Message)

“Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.”

A Long, Wandering Walk

“Let’s go for a walk…” quickly followed by the “Do we have to?” response is a conversation many families have. As a nipper, I was strongly on the side of “do we have to?” Assurances that “you’ll enjoy it” seemed rather optimistic.

A funny thing happened on the way to the South Downs- I discovered the joys of nice long walks in the country. Sussex was replaced by Derbyshire- long walks across the Peak District. Derbyshire was traded for Devon- long walks across wild, beautiful Dartmoor and the lovely coast. Then came Luton.

Somewhat to my surprise, the Chiltern Hills and Ashridge woods gave scope for wonderful exploration.

Over the years, trips abroad featuring Alpine walks and visits to wild country acquired a special place in my heart.

I discovered I loved it. Walks became a time for solitary thinking, or an opportunity for quality time with special people. Walking even became a prayer-place of real importance.

Slogging up steep hills with a loaded rucksack as the rain trickled down my neck… the sheer “joy” of sleeping in a small tent and having to pull on rain-sodden trousers the next morning… those moments, not so much. Sore, hot feet. Aching back. Running short of water. Getting slightly lost… Sounds amazing… “Do we have to?”

“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” – Hebrews 12:11-13 (NLT)

Learning the discipline of walking, acquiring the skills of navigation and map-reading, breaking in new boots, and yes, even the hardships are worth it. A satisfying weariness sat in front of a nice fire, with a cold drink and some good food- priceless. (And no credit card necessary!)

Austrian tourist maps are interesting. They are more of a loose guide that allows interesting discoveries. Often they have “helpful” notes about the ease/severity of the various climbs and “strolls.” Bear in mind these are penned by local experts who are possibly half-goat and were born with an Alpenstock in each hand. Be aware (which should shortened to “BEWARE”).

The photo today comes from the smooth, flat path between Bovey Tracey and Lustleigh (South Dartmoor). It used to be a railway until savaged by Dr Beeching. Lovely beech trees overhang the track, the river sparkles and gurgles nearby. Birdsong beats any “canned” music and peace descends. Blissful.

Journeying to the wild has become an essential ingredient for my wholeness. Body, mind and spirit find freedom. Yes, there are still “tired hands and weak knees” but the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Walking becomes a pilgrimage through a natural cathedral. God seems close by: the things you see and hear communicate eternity. Walking become a metaphor for discipleship.

I’ve missed long walks over the last couple of years. My health severely limits the distance I can walk; and difficult terrain becomes impossible. However, the disciplines learnt over the years, and wise choices of destination, mean I can still visit “my” cathedral. I make my “smooth paths” by driving the car or riding the e-bike to reach safe places. Guess what- God is still close by, and eternity still knocks on the senses.

It’s not the distance that counts, nor the difficulty of the road. The willingness of the mind, heart, and spirit will still unlock the door and let me in.

Fancy a walk? Willing to find your “own” cathedrals? God awaits. Go take a long, wandering “walk” alongside.