Faithful One

Fresh paint, new curtains, and a computer desk centred at the bedroom window. Today I sat at my new work station for writing, and wrote. 

I tried not to be too distracted by the cows meandering past, though I confess that the one walking with a limp tugged at my heart and I wondered if I ought to run out into the field and get her number and call the farmer. I re-focused on my screen. Then there was the tractor in the field beyond, literally ploughing up and down, back and forth, with a very energetic collie racing alongside, back and forth, back and forth, and a swarm of seagulls enjoying the bounty of the broken field. 

There’s no internet up there, so I’m excited to see the difference it makes to my writing. No distractions of email, facebook, blogs!

Come away with me, Jesus said to his disciples a few times. I sense he’s been saying that to me lately, so I hope it’s up to that new writing room where I may be especially open to his inspiration. Watch this space.

All is Calm

All is calm. All is bright.

Random reminders of Christmas scattered round the room: a bag of wrapping paper, cosy slippers and walking boots, a 2-year-old’s waterproof onesie. Empty stockings, a sagging tree, still crazy with lights and baubles and an oversized angel bending down.

An oversized angel bending down. I like the image of an oversized heavenly being bending down, detailed to give us all a helping hand. I love the truth that Jesus can call out his legions of these heavenly beings whenever he wants to. 

It’s been a tricky Christmas for many. A challenging year right round the globe. Tragedy and heartbreak, sorrow and loss.

But in the midst, Jesus has deployed his angels. We are probably rubbing shoulders with them more often than we realise. With every breath, we inhale the fragrance of our Creator God, who loved the world so much, in all of its fallenness, rebellion and pain, that he gave of himself, the most precious Son whom he loves with a love that goes away beyond what we recognise as love. 

Others give of themselves to those they love. New parents with restless babies who are reluctant to settle down. Veteran parents with older children pushing at the boundaries. Those caring for the sick, the injured, the elderly, the dying. 

Rubbing shoulders with the angels. Today and every day. Thank you, Jesus.