SUNRISE ON THE GOWER

 

When I booked in to attend a retreat at Nicholaston House, part of the blessing of this special occasion was to have a room overlooking Oxwich Bay and seeing away on to the hills of Devon.

The first morning I woke, as usual, while it was still dark so I drew back my curtains and lay there in happy expectation of sunrise. However, this wonderful view was not enough. The next time I got out of bed I opened the curtain of one of the side windows. This one was facing East rather than South. Imagine my surprise to find the sun had risen and was already flooding the sky with streaks of glory.

The next morning I knew where to look and had a very special blessing as I actually saw the first peep of the sun rising above the roof of the Celtic chapel which is nestling beside the house. If I had lain on in bed I would not have seen it, for by the time the sun
had fully arisen a mist was covering the bay.

This week was very special for me, meeting some old friends and making many new ones. The retreat was titled ‘Grace-Space.’ A small and close group of us, in spite of Covid and the necessity to still  wear masks, we shared in lovely times of devotion, where we were meditating and looking afresh at some of the old familiar stories of Jesus; opening our hearts too to the transformation of our lives.

But I think the greatest blessing I brought back from this retreat was that God wants us to be a people who are watching for the sunrise – ‘Looking for and hastening unto the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.’ He has promised us that he will come again. When he does, every darkness will be banished and our world will be flooded with the light of life. But let’s make sure we are looking in the right direction.

Even so come, Lord Jesus.

JOURNEY OF LIFE

 It was an outward, rather than a homeward journey that was the inspiration for this meditation. Two years had passed since our last coach holiday but now at last the feeder buses had brought us all together and we were on our way. But as we reached the next service station we were told there might be some delay. We may not think a wind screen wiper an item of great importance, but it had rendered this 40 seater bus unsafe to drive. Not too long and the repair van was off and we too on our way. We were expected to arrive in Eastbourne by 5 o’clock. There would be plenty of time to settle in before our meal.

Oh no, not again. This time we were waiting, not for the repair van but a new coach, for the wipers had failed again. Vision is all important and not to be trifled with, but it meant a lengthy wait. Fortunately we were at yet another service station where there is every basic convenience, but not where we would choose to start our holiday.

Am I to squander my time in boredom and frustration? Or has my Father something to teach me?

As a writer I usually carry pen and paper, and had with me some notes I had made yesterday at our special Harvest service. Inspiration began to flow. I found myself in imagination among those seated on that hillside where Jesus had taken the loaves and fishes, given thanks, breaking bread and feeding us all.

In those apparently barren hours Jesus was there, breaking bread and feeding again. And once again Jesus was giving me that precious gift of godliness with contentment.

Eventually another bus arrived, painted as a great ‘red dragon’. It was dark and yes, still raining, but it was more spacious inside. Our all- important wipers were working and so we settled down, trusting the driver. We trusted there would be no more stops until we reached our hotel some three hours later. The hotel was advised of our delay and had promised to have food on the table as soon as we arrived, hopefully something after seven.

As the driver drove purposefully through the long, dark night  and we rested in

confidence, I meditated on the journey of life. Like this trip, it can be eventful and for some of us, very long, but if our faith is in Jesus then we know that we will not only eventually arrive safely, and that there will be a wonderful welcome.

The driver had his radio on as we powered through that dark wet night, but was it music he was playing? At times it sounded to me like screaming or wailing, a reminder that we are traveling through a land where Satan is the prince of darkness, yet now and again a gentle melody would break through as if assurance from the Prince of Peace himself.

And yes, we did arrive, something after 7pm and a sumptuous meal almost immediately set before us, the beginning of a happy break. So now I am back in my Eagle’s Nest, looking forward, not to a break, but to an eternity of joy and peace and yes, creativity when this journey of life will be over and we will be home, home at last.