Dreaming of Summer- Look, See, Pray

It’s apparently the time of year when British people book their main holidays… the murk and chill of January makes us long for sun, sea, and comfort.

Let’s face it, on a bone-chillingly freezing day on a Sussex salt-marsh, the appeal of the colour and glamour and luxury of an Italian gem like Portofino is simply ENORMOUS. Warm summer sun, warm summer sea, warm oranges and ochre shades on the buildings… the idea of a zippy launch or technicolour sailboat… the prospect of dolphins skipping through crystal waves… Am I selling the idea? Who wants to book tonight? Send me 10% as an inspiration fee!

Portofino residents are probably NOT thinking about booking a fortnight in Littlehampton. Hmmph.

Our minds yearn for a bit of indulgence, our bank balance winces, and we still have to do the laundry, cook dinner, and earn a living.

If only… Two powerful motivational words!

Can we harness the power of imagination for the other 50 weeks of the year? Holidays are fabulous, if we can afford them, and will do us good. What if… Another pair of powerful words. What if we put our energies, creativity, compassion and resources into transforming our local community? Or into volunteering to help a charity or relief project, or helping kids learn to read, or caring about the shut-ins and lonely…

Life can be about making a difference, or working for justice, or being compassionate. Now imagine what local communities of faith, prayer, and love can achieve wherever they are; or in partnership with other agencies and churches.

It puts feet onto the prayer Jesus taught us… “May God’s Will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.”

I’m not saying we should have holiday dreams. I’m saying we shouldn’t JUST have holiday dreams…………….

God’s inspiring imagination has bigger dreams for us to grasp!

Frosted Clarity- Look, See, Pray

Frost has outlined these little beauties. Rims and veins have attracted icy crystals which accentuate the shapes and forms of flower, berry and leaf. It makes for a nice picture!

You may be surprised to know it can help us do theology too.

Theology is “God Knowledge/Thinking.” The information we have, the principles we hold to, and the interpretation of God’s revelation enable us to begin to comprehend God. We debate, discuss, argue, theorise, and write BIG books! (Wouldn’t it be helpful sometimes to have a simpler explanation, a short book or cartoon instead? If so, read on about the frosty rose!)

Christians have prepared summaries of what we believe: we call them Creeds. “I believe in God the Father…” is the beginning of the Apostles’ Creed (one of the mainstream standards). These Creeds have been agreed by many believers over many years, and are often familiar to most churchgoers.

Each Creed sets out statements of faith; the things we agree on as “standard” for Christianity. They set out a “map” of faith, rather like the frost on the rose petals. We see where each one fits, what’s “in” as a part of normal faith. (There are, of course, differences of emphasis and nuance between the churches! But bear with me on the main principle.)

We cannot fully comprehend God- but one central Christian belief is that God has been and is self-revealing. We can see the Divine in Creation itself- through beauty and awe. The Bible is a written collection of the history of God’s interaction with humanity, inspired by God and amazingly effective at teaching us about God and His Ways.

I suppose we could write different doctrines on every petal to make it even clearer. For example: the nature of God; Creation; Salvation; Bible; Ethics, etc., etc.

Theology is the whole rose- but the parts can be looked at separately. We can always discover and experience more of God; so our study is open-ended, and there are “mysteries” as well as plain and obvious truths. But even if the rose is a symbol for theology, God is above and beyond it- the Gardener who is greater than the rose (or the whole garden).

Do you get the idea? Just as the frost has highlighted nature’s beauty, so choosing particular aspects of faith to study helps to make sense of the bigger picture.

The best starting place?

The life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus. As set out in the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we are introduced to the best self-revelation of God.

As Jesus said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” (John 14 v9)

Start here: GO.

Time to Breathe- Look, See, Pray

Living in a seaside town means the pace slows down when the holiday makers go home at the end of summer.

Traffic levels drop off a bit, and the seafront changes character. The kid’s playgrounds shuts down, the crazy golf closes, and the pier goes quiet. I remember a time when the pier was longer, and speedboats offered high-speed rides- such a thrill. The more sedate could take a donkey ride, or hire a deckchair.

It’s as if the town takes a breath before next year’s visitors.

That’s a good thing for the town: and it is a good thing for people to do the same. Early morning at low tide, a huge expanse of wet sand is exposed, with scattered soft rocky boulders ruling over little briny lakes. The sand is patterned with ripples by the receding water. A few crabs, some seaweed, worm casts, not much else to take the eye.

Early low sun-rays turn the sand into a glaring bright mirror. Locals take the opportunity to walk the sands, exercise the dog, breathe deeply of the salt-tanged air. Precious time to breathe; solitary if you like, or friendly passing chats with the dogs (and sometimes the owners!).

How wonderful to set mind and spirit at rest.

Praying whilst walking can be helpful practice. Sharing your thoughts with God, acknowledging His Presence with praise, and even working through doubts, fears, or troubles.

Meditating on a few verse from the Bible (or one of the great themes of faith or theology) can be a real blessing. Take a breath- and inhale the gracious Love of God with every step. Imagine walking alongside Jesus beside the sea and share a conversation…

Here is one passage to meditate on to seek deeper Wisdom:

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity.”
Proverbs 2:6-7

Take a breath. It will bless you- and bring you closer to Jesus.

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 )

Politics… and faith. Look, See, Pray.

It’s Polling Day in the USA: and there is justifiable concern about the outcome in a very polarised, deeply divided electorate. Probably half of the electorate will be upset/furious whatever the result. The result will have consequences, at this stage not entirely predictable.

Most of us will have opinions about one or both candidates: and though the best choice seems blindingly obvious to me, there will be sincere voters who won’t agree!

I don’t have a vote, anyway.

My hope and trust is in God, the Eternal Three in One, whose Will shall ultimately be done (however this election and the current world political brouhaha turns out).

As Jesus taught us to pray, “May Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Alongside that prayer, I’ve chosen a photo that displays something of the wonder of this world: bright scarlet autumn rose-hips with a small Shield Bug crawling after food or shelter. Even as winter draws on, life continues with flora and fauna blissfully innocent of human politics. Although vulnerable to change and “chance,” this world- so far- has a good record of surviving human dramas (though we seem to be trying to spoil that record through greed and injustice!).

The Sun will rise in the morning. It will set tomorrow evening. And the American election result will NOT have shaken Heaven’s foundations, nor given God a horrible surprise. All things are ultimately in the Best Hands… the hands that were marred by nails on the Cross. That was a dreadful Day: and it was followed by Resurrection. Life finds a Way.

So, Father God- as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord Jesus every day. Please grant us peace and faith, even in our fears and the uncertainties we face. Keep pouring out Holy Spirit truth and compassion. Have mercy on Your troubled world- which we have diminished and defaced. May Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May Your Kingdom come! Come soon, Lord Jesus, and rule as King of Kings and Master of Presidents and politicians. Amen.

Frost-Art… Look, See, Pray

This a frost picture from 2015… we haven’t had a frost yet in 2024. Though I fear it won’t be long!

Heavy frosts have a funny effect on fallen leaves: they cover and conceal, but at the same time they also reveal the structure of each leaf. Edges are outlined; the ribs and veins are highlighted. Every leaf is enriched by its icy shroud.

Let’s face it, these leaves photographed as soggy wet sludge wouldn’t be very attractive! But here we see a “sculpture” crafted by Nature. It is fleeting art, quickly melted, and and truly ephemeral. None the less, its beauty deserves to be enjoyed, to be appreciated and admired.

It has no financial value. It cannot be “collected” other than via a camera. Some may say “What is the point?”

These leaves are BEAUTIFUL. That’s the point. Appreciating beauty is one of the things that makes humans more than “just” apes. Life needs more than wealth, more than “success” and fame. Real vibrant living appreciates marvels, mysteries, and moments.

I may have been the only sentient being that witnessed this little miracle ice-sculpture which was tucked away a few yards from the paths at Whipsnade. I chose to walk through long grass and brambles to a tiny glade on the edge of a wood- curious to see if there was anything worth photographing. In between the bears and the penguins, the scrubland concealed a treasure: and I have shared it with you.

Has it changed your life? Or mine? I doubt it. But it has enriched life and caused me to wonder at such hidden beauty. Wonder turns very easily into worship. Consider how generously, almost profligately, beauty is dropped behind every bush, on every leaf, making art for free- and much of it will remain unseen and unknown. It’s still good, and is a grace-gift, undeserved and unobserved.

Will you take a wander to look for wonder? On the first frosty morning, go round the garden or local forest. Look for beauty, off the beaten track, and take a pic on your phone. Then you can have your own unique masterpiece to gaze at in wonder.

If you look with the eyes of your soul, you may discern the signature of the Creator-Artist whose Love brings forth fresh beauty…

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”
Genesis 1:31

Glacier Bay- Look, See, Pray

I wonder when those snowflakes

started to pack on the mountain.

All individual, geometric perfection,

blown by the wind into corners

and crannies and drifts.

Long, slow years sitting

with snow on your shoulders,

pressing, pressing, pressing

until a layer of ice

became the memory

of another winter gone.

Year on year, snow on snow,

ice under pressure finding

strength in numbers and depth.

So many patient winters…

Deeper ice, living blue,

layered with grit

from rocks carved out

with glacial stealth…

Now at the sea, salt and cold,

where glaciers calve

plunging deep,

spray hurled high.

A swift transition.

Years invested in icy weight,

foreshortened to weeks

as the ice shrinks

diluting the salt sea

with ancient snowmelt.

All nature moves to an end.

Spectacle of wondrous cold.

Spectre of an Ice Age foiled.

Mighty, majestic, doomed.

Only God could have dreamed this:

River of ancient ice,

sculptor of peak and vale,

inspiring awe in mere Humanity-

that yet plays “god”

and melts history

in a senseless rush.

(c) Richard Starling, 2023.

Photo: Glacier Bay, 2016.

Don’t lose the wonder- Look, See, Pray

What will 2022 bring?

What am I hoping for?

Three days in- so far, so good. Yesterday I enjoyed the privilege of preaching in our local church, speaking about the difference Christmas makes to every New Year. Simply put, it’s the description of Jesus as Immanuel, “God is with us.” Simple words, but deep, deep meaning.

I don’t know what 2022 will bring. But I’m confident that God is with us- whatever will be. That, in turn, means I expect to keep a sense of wonder and hope every day.

The wonder of seeing the frosted leaves, the snowfall, the sunrises and settings… the first signs of snowdrops, crocii, and daffodils… cherry blossom and roses… Restless seas and cloud-paintings, seagulls stunt-flying, the field mice and squirrels…

Stormy days and dark skies, the Milky Way like a chandelier over the sea. Gentle dew and charming streams, trees standing bold before our wondering eyes.

People living in kindness, sharing love and community.

Change. I’m hoping for change in politics and public life, with integrity and compassion displacing greed and sleaze. Change in the ways people behave and believe, learn and persuade. Truth becoming important, with a reaction against shallow sound-bites, dodgy websites, and manipulative extremists.

Health. I’m hoping for an end to this pandemic, and for respect and gratitude to be shown to good medicine and good science.

Ecology: for responsibility from all of us, doing what we can to look after the planet we’ve been given, with hope of reversing some of the damage.

Some hopes, eh?

God is with us. With that fact to hold onto, we can have high hopes indeed! Don’t lose the wonder. Every wondrous thing we see inspires true hope. I won’t see everything on my wish list happen in 2022 – but God is with us, therefore NOTHING good is impossible (even if it will be difficult).

The first frosty morning may be the first day of wonder- and hope.

There is always hope- Look, See, Pray

Advent is the time leading up to Christmas. It’s a season to prepare for a celebration: God took on human flesh, declaring Love to this world by identifying with us. We ARE “in this together” which is a marvellous truth (especially when compared with the rather devalued meaning intended by many politicians when they say that!).

Odd contrast: the hope of Light and Life comes just when the days get short and the cold gnaws our bones. Everything is saying “time to moan, let’s endure it as best we can” and the shout comes from the heralding Angels – “Prepare the Way of the Lord!”

It’s often a dull season for photography. Apart from dramatic skies and snowy wastes, most other subjects are lurking out of sight in the warm- and the motivation of the photographer has gone into hibernation anyway.

So a memory will have to suffice. Imagine a pleasant late April day, perhaps early May; the bluebells are cheerily dancing the blues, and the bracken begins to unfurl hairy fronds. Look down at the signs of Spring: and a heart-shape presents itself as fronds entwine. Glossy fresh greens and gentle browns mark out the hope of new life.

I love Christmas. Not the busy shops, nor the crazy adverts, not even the mass attempt to double our waistlines in a week! Although that has some attractions, if we’re honest.

Christmas means HOPE. We can all do with some of that!

God, the Giver and Source of Life and Love, sings a song to make the stars shine brighter. In the darkened streets of Bethlehem, an Eternal Light begins to glow.

And every year, however dreadful, has a heartfelt message. “There’s ALWAYS hope.”

“For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counsellor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.” Isaiah 9:6 (Message Translation)

Just what- or rather, whom- we need. There’s always hope. May Advent this year put the glow of hope in your soul- for God has set His heart on YOU.

Thaw Point- Look, See, Pray

January. 31 ~~weeks~~ days in January and it already seems longer. I’m getting square eyes- not from watching the TV, but gazing out of the window hoping for sunshine or snow. Don’t mind which! There have been too many grey rainy days- if 2021 had a warranty, I’d send it back to be adjusted.

There are good moments, of course. This photo reminded me of those crisp frosty days when icy layers encase the grass and twigs, painting the landscape in white lace. This particular photograph catches the precise time when sunlight touches the ice and brings it to thaw point: opaque crystals melt into pure globes that fill with light. Grasses flex themselves and as the droplets fall the magic of the moment is gone. But the hope lingers on…

Every winter comes to a thaw. Even in Narnia, the Wicked Witch could not overcome the Spring!

Be encouraged! This winter will pass. Right now, we can look for the thaw and for the floodwaters to drain. Tiny snowdrops make a delicate prayer of thanks. As days pass by, more daffodils are daring to show off “sunshine on a stick” as the sluggard tulips pull the duvet up for “just a few minutes” or perhaps weeks!

Passing through difficult times is always a trial. Keeping our eyes open to notice the thaw points is medicine for the soul. Take time to appreciate them- if we gloss over them, and dash onwards in drab, soul poverty will strike.

Difficult times can become an invitation to seek God. Many who have chosen this path can echo the words of the Psalmist- and have found a “thaw point” in their deepest heart-yearnings.

“Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found. Surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32 v6-7)