I may not have had a bath in years, though
yes, I do shower, but now I enjoyed telling my friends that I was going to
Bath.
My legs are not up to much shopping these
days, but when you live alone it is good to seize any opportunity for fun and
fellowship. With my dear mate Kitty beside me, we were on our way.
Meanwhile a prayer partner, my blind
friend who lives in Spain had been given a picture of an old fashioned bath.
What could it mean? Then she remembered Pauline was on her way to Bath. Could
there be some special need? She was praying for me throughout the day. And God
was answering.
By the time we had walked into the town my legs had had enough, but a
handy coffee shop was a refuge. Everywhere was full, but someone moved so there
were two seats for us together. We were refreshed. Next stop a toilet. Go to M
& S we were told. A feast for the eyes, though we didn’t buy anything
before we queued for this facility. Ready then for directions to the Abbey.
Like a great mother ship surrounded by people bobbing about on a stormy sea,or maybe a mother hen, ready to gather
her chicks, but we found the doors shut.
We must wait for the Carol service for shoppers which would be on the hour, and
sadly no cafeteria.
But all we wanted was a place to sit. We
went into the Abbey bookshop, and here was an open door into the Abbey, where
we were able to rest, basking in the beauty and blessing of God’s house.
A
stewardess greeted us as she passed and we invited her to sit with us. How
wonderful to share the various ways God has led us, and we felt the Lord’s
touch in a special way as we joined hands and prayed together.
Not only had this gracious lady blessed
us, but she directed us to St. Michael’s for a simple lunch. No, not far. Soup
and bread and butter for me. Just right. Then another struggle through the surging crowds and by now the doors of the Abbey were wide
open and a wonderful welcome for all the happy, but weary shoppers, until every
seat was filled.
Just a twenty minute service and how blessed
we were by the simple message and participation in the carols and prayers. We went on our way with the gift of a Jesus
booklet and offer of prayer or ministry. They were doing this every hour and
each time that great abbey was packed. What a wonderful bir
We decided to have a cup of tea in the
café in M & S, but a fruitless search for two seats led us directly to the
expected queue for the toilets. As I came out, two seats were vacated - just
for us. My dear Kitty then queued for refreshment while I sat and enjoyed
‘people watching’. Everyone seemed so happy, as if they had all been as blessed
as we had been.
Time
to make our way back for the bus. The lights were on, making the city a
fairy land. It was only then that the
heaven’s open, though it had been raining in Porthcawl all day long. How
grateful we were to find the bus waiting for us, and to step out of our
dripping coats. And though it was a very windy day, somehow it had always been
behind our backs, blowing us along.
Yes, we were worn out. I
could hardly move the next day, but our trip to Bath had been a blessing I will
long remember, and remember, too, the gift of friendship and fellowship.
Especially I thank God for those who, no
longer able to share such blessings, claim God’s guidance and protection for us
through their prayers.
