Being patient- Look, See, Pray

Patience is a virtue, they say. Mine is being tested- I am in danger of failing.

Politics is driving me barking. Rudeness and misrepresentation is bringing the political office into sore disrepute. Fancy this- some people disagree with me! How daft can you get. Of course I’m right. I cannot understand why some apparently bright folks are saying and doing crazy things in peculiar ways. I am gradually gaining insight… “Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace.” (Proverbs 15:18)

But it is enough to test the patience of a saint.

Note that I am not identifying my preferences or the misled opponents of common sense: that is not my place or purpose. I hope to encourage the ones I agree with and the ones I don’t agree with to join in two things. First, to work at becoming patient; and secondly to share in the most sensible thing we can…

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Frozen Time- Look, See, Pray

The Reflectionary

Tragedy hits. Time seems to stand still. Details of the moment and place are etched on the mind. I vividly remember where I was on 9-11. On the day I heard my Dad had died. We all have personal recollections like that.

I photographed these waves this week as a severe storm lashed parts of the U.K. Here, on the Channel coast, we were fairly sheltered but the waves came in fast and furious. Using a fast shutter speed, I “froze” the action – and shapes, colours and details were recorded. Looking at them afterwards, I saw much more detail than I had noticed in “real time.”

wave 026230219 Aldwick B ed Energy stored in the waves exploded against shore defences and piles of shingle. It was noisy and relentless. Stones picked up in the fury were thrown up the beach and ricocheted through the air.

It was almost hypnotic – it took a conscious effort…

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Edge of the Storm- Look, See, Pray

Stormy weather- we are on the edge of this storm. To the West and North of us the conditions have been atrocious. Down here, some light damage: roof tiles, tree branches, and localised floods. The bad part is wondering if the storm will get worse.

I suspect quite a lot of people in Britain feel caught on the edge of another huge storm- politics are proving to be exciting (in a bad way). Parliament is ripped apart by the divisive issue of Brexit. Parties are split, the Cabinet is divided, and feelings are running high. The eventual outcome remains unknown, and the way forward is unclear. Trust is being trampled and everyone is blaming “the other lot.”

Fear not! I am not going to launch my political views (as good as they may be, or seem to be to me).

When life has storms, where do we go for help? I hope to encourage you to pray today that God’s will shall be done, here on Earth as it is in heaven.

A little-known prophetic book in the Bible has an author with a name almost as long as the prophecy! Zephaniah means “God has hidden/protected me.” Biblical names, especially in the Old Testament have descriptive meaning. Zephaniah spoke for God in a time where corruption and injustice were rife; and his message is uncompromising. Almighty God stands for justice and integrity, and we are called to stand with Him. Dreadful consequences are spelled out clearly- but at the end there is a comforting hope. Humanity is not left alone- God still cares for us, even though He may need to challenge and correct us. The storm that threatened Zephaniah’s audience became a whirlwind and their troubles became rooted in exile under unfriendly power.

Yet there is still hope. Please read this verse slowly and carefully, and take from it the eternal Truth of God’s Love and mercy. While we still have breath, we can turn to God. Turning to Him lifts the edge of the storm away from our shoulders. The promise in reinforced in the New Testament, where Jesus is titled “God who is with us.”

Zephaniah 3:17 “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty saviour. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

006StormBrian1017rainbow — *Do not fear the storm- trust the Saviour who brings calm. Lord, may Your will be done. Amen.*

Stop striving- Look, See, Pray

The Reflectionary

I caught myself staring at the daffodils in silent wonder. Suddenly, sunshine on sticks! My tiredness and aches eased a bit as I enjoyed the free show.

If truth be told, I have possibly overdone it a bit recently. Hard to learn new tricks and all that. Living with a body that is sub-par gives fresh challenges, one of which is having to pace myself. As an enthusiast, my natural tendency is to jump right in when some (preferably new) possibility comes up. Not a good idea nowadays.

But I am learning. One thing I am learning is that prayer is about more than words. Silence, meditation, and stopping. Psalm 46 is a song written for people whose life is tough. Outside pressures from those who want you in harm’s way, internal pressures from fading expectations and failures of trust or dreams. It begins by reminding believers that God is…

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Light through the darkness- Look, See, Pray

Ask a photographer “What would make your day?”

Their probable answer? “Good light.” Few things are as disappointing as being in a good location but having dull lighting. That often results in “flat” photos without contrast or drama. Ironically, having too much light intensity makes photography equally difficult.

It was early-ish, about 8 o’clock, and the morning was shrouded in heavy mist. There were signs it might lift, so the eternal optimist packed some kit and headed off in search of elusive perfection.

Bognor is blessed with a beautiful park. It seemed a good possibility for pictures. Hardly had I parked and started lurching along, when this happened.

Glorious sun burnt through the mist, and the trees became scaffolding for drama. As light filtered through the trees, its rays carved a transient sculpture of delight. Just at the right moment, a bloke walking his dog came and stood in a great position, adding a mysterious figure barely visible through the brightness.

Though I was almost blinded by the light, I was no longer alone.

An old hymn has the line ” ‘Tis only the splendour of Light hideth Thee.” When we look for brightest light, we find holiness and glory that exceeds our understanding, but satisfies the ache in our soul.

The verse from the New Testament reminds us that God is Light, that Light overcomes darkness, and that this Divine Light is able to shine even into our innermost darkness. Many Christians can testify that the dawning realisation that Jesus Christ brings the smile of heaven to our lives is a moment of dramatic beauty. In the darkness, suddenly Light is there, blinding and yet welcoming- and revealing the Face that makes us aware of Love that seeks the lost, rescues the struggling, embraces the lonely, and accepts even me.

Sometimes the world is dark enough to foster despair. All news is bad news… in the words of Private Fraser “We’re doomed. We’re all doomed…” That is when we most need to hear and see hope- and hope shines with unearthly Light. When the darkness is near, remember the Gift that God has given: 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NLT) For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

May you shine with true Light this day.

Through the Glass, Darkly… Look, See, Pray

The Reflectionary

Hampton Court has been a Royal Palace for 500 years. Built by a Cardinal, and acquired by Henry VIII, it was the centre of political intrigue for the Tudor dynasty. Splendid and beautiful, it is truly impressive, expensive, and very large!

Visiting with friends, we took the tour to see the State rooms and humbler servant’s halls. Displays of Tudor cooking and costumed actors tried to re-create the atmosphere of power and wealth. It was educational, interesting, and even inspiring. Later reflections took a more sinister tone.

It was the window that did it. Sorting through photos taken that day, I was taken aback by the lack of transparency from outside. Anyone could have been inside that room behind the blank, dark glass.

In its history, there have been meetings of the powerful and plots by the politicians. King Henry VIII stood within those rooms and issued his decrees and…

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Simply Love- Look, See, Pray

Father Pedro Arrupe’s prayer about falling in love with God was shared with me this week. Here it is- enjoy.

Nothing is more practical than

finding God,

than falling in Love

in a quite absolute, final way.

What you are in love with,

what seizes your imagination,

will affect everything.

It will decide

what will get you out of bed in the morning,

what you do with your evenings,

how you spend your weekends,

what you read, whom you know,

what breaks your heart,

and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in Love,

stay in love,

and it will decide everything.

Seeking Peace- Look, See, Pray

Psalm 34:14 (NLT) Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how fed up are you with watching the news? Every headline is dramatic, every event is a potential crisis, and what wouldn’t we give for a bit of peace and quiet?

Mild February days are rare enough to be treasured. This afternoon I cycled down to Pagham Harbour, my local nature reserve. I was surprised to find the tide was right in: the mudbanks usually hosting a convention of wading birds were covered in blue and gold water. I settled down to absorb the peacefulness of the scene, and watched the available wildlife action: a short-eared owl quartering the reed beds, and then the explosively noisy eruption of hundreds of Brent geese who left their farm field and came down to the water. After a short while, quiet took over again.

One of the best-known and powerful images in the Bible is found in Psalms.

Psalm 23 speaks of “still waters” and water symbolises life, cleansing, and renewal.

This is a beautiful theme. Without water, we could not live.

Psalm 34 v14 instructs us to search for peace, and when we find it, work to preserve that peace.

Searching for peace in a wearying world may seem a fruitless task.

Perhaps this week, you could find- search for- a peaceful place, near water if possible, and take time to enjoy it. Reflections and ripples can inspire thoughts and prayers.

Silence and beauty restore our soul. In this world of strife and noise, we are called to be peacemakers, peace-bringers, servants of the Prince of Peace. In the quiet and calm of our restored souls, we may find strength and grace to share peace and preserve it.

How might God speak?

Communication- sight, sound, touch. We learn through experience and effort, through resting and remembering. When I see the crocus peeking through the grass, how does my soul respond? Two short quotes to consider:

Sacred writings are bound in two volumes—that of creation and that of Holy Scripture. —Thomas Aquinas (1224–1274)

Ever since God created the world, God’s everlasting power and deity—however invisible—have been there for the mind to see in the things God has made. —Romans 1:20

Today- look out for something that will speak to you of God and His love. The one who seeks, will find.

Last Rites of Winter? Look, See, Pray

The Reflectionary

The last few leaves remaining on the beech tree. A few survived the autumnal cull, a few more clung on through the frostiest nights… but now it is all over bar the final flutter.

New buds and shoots are forming in the longer light and warmer airs. They will put fresh pressure on old joints, and the “old guard” are already colourfully crisp and comatose. Out with the old, and in with the new!

100150219 Hotham Pk edit A strange dignity still attaches to the persistent remnant. Cracks may be showing, but the colour is bold in the warm Spring-like Sun. Bright copper flags salute the change of seasons; a bit like the Chelsea Pensioners, whose courage and colourful garb is also a testimony to brave history.

Soon the fresh bright greens and bronzes of new shoots and buds will herald a resurrection of the tree. Birds, insects, squirrels and kids will riotously greet…

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