Breath

The breath of your Holy Spirit

Delicately blows on my unbelief and fear

and like the wispy smoke of a smouldering candle

takes it away

in a drift of disintegrating translucent fingers.

Memories only of a flame that was:

But the aroma of the flame lingers:

And the aroma of your love lingers

to remind me of your care,

your comforting.

And this says to me I should allow the flame of the candle to be lit again

To enjoy its warmth, its beauty, its fragrance

to remind me

that the aroma of your love is more than just a memory,

it is now.

History Just Doesn't Happen

I live in a small English village where community activities are central to the life of the community – but only if you take part!

The annual “Village Play”, a few years ago, tackled an awe inspiring subject of the people who lived in our villages over the last two millennia and who, by taking part, made history.

It was interesting to see that our villages were crossroads for many people whose lives are memorable because of the way in which they have touched history in spiritual ways; Augustine, George Fox, Wesley and others.

Tyndale was a history maker.  I doubt he realised this at the time.  He was so consumed by his passionate love for God and his overwhelming desire to translate the bible, that he forged a path for many to follow in making the bible accessible to ordinary people.  He succeeded in his task, but, paid for it with his life.

The history we produce may not be so dynamic, but each generation lays down foundations for the next to build on.

Records of previous events keep us in touch with past momentous and every day events which become history when they affect our lives now.  I have forgotten who said “Ignore history at your peril”, but the sentiment is that the present is guided by the past and that understanding past events helps us to understand what’s happening around us now.

God is interested in history too.  Recall all those genealogies.  Celebrations of Christmas and Easter may appear to some to be outmoded events, but remembering them continues to point us towards a God who involves himself in history and the present day.  God revealed himself to Moses with the name Yahweh, “I am who I am”,  also translated “I was, I am, I will be” – showing that God was the Lord of the past, the present and the future.  Jesus often spoke in a way to indicate his presence with people would continue and indeed he promises just that in Matthew 28 v 20 “Surely I am with you always”

As we remember the events which have shaped our lives it is good to give room for God to make his story relevant for us so that we can face the days ahead knowing our story is linked with His.

Turtle Island

The relentless sun beat down on the holiday makers clustered on the quayside waiting for the treat of the week – a leisurely cruise on the Aegean.

We looked forward to the gentle sea breezes, promises of dolphin sightings, ports with ancient Greek character, an afternoon swim in the warm crystal clear waters and a look at Turtle Island.

“So why is it called Turtle Island?” we asked with the expectation rising of wading ashore onto some white sun kissed, palm fringed, sandy beach to commune with turtles doing what turtles do.

“No!” came the answer, “just snakes and a few goats”.

Our romantic balloon burst, but maybe we would see dolphins, we thought.

The first part of the boat trip went well with plenty of shade on the boat, lovely breezes and pleasant conversation with new friends.  But no dolphins.

After an hour or so the boat sailed by a ragged outcrop of an island with a few small trees and scrub bushes, but no exotic sandy beaches and certainly no turtles.  So this was Turtle Island; it was hard to understand why it had been mentioned on the cruise itinerary.

Still no dolphins.

The cruise continued and after a while the ship arrived at the harbour of a town set into the hillside where we enjoyed a leisurely break, partook of local hospitality and wondered whether the Greeks enjoyed playing tricks on the gullible tourists.  No turtles and no dolphins.

Once more we set sail passing the rocky island in a different direction and then – no not dolphins – but we saw the reason for the naming of the island.  As we sailed along the southern shore, but far enough away to see the whole island from end to end it became clear.

The island is shaped, quite remarkably, just like a turtle.  Every proportion being correct.  You could make out a head, pokey out feet, a large humpy back and a sticky out pointed tail.

There for all to see – Turtle Island.

It would have been very easy to miss the spectacle.  If it was approached from the wrong direction, there would be nothing much to see, one might even turn around and return home either totally unaware of its existence or having set out as we did, with a promise, end up being disappointed.

Life can be like that.  It so often depends on your perspective.  How you see an issue is determined by the way you look at it.

To many, at the time, the death of Jesus on the Cross was a triumph of the establishment over a rebellious zealot while others were devastated at their personal loss. But within a short distance of time, the same people had to reconsider their perspective in the light of God’s intervention.

The visit to Turtle Island reminded me of God’s intervention in my own life and how, with His help, my perspective on life can be different.

Oh, and in case you ask, no dolphins.