Blessed be the Sabbath wherein all things gain their true perspective.
William Wilberforce
For anyone who is aware of what is happening with the Community this month, it is no surprise that it is a busy and demanding period. Given all the jobs that need doing, issues that need addressing, finances that need raising, people that need seeing, it would be easy to fill every waking moment with work. Herein lies the wisdom and value of the monastic rhythm that orders our spirituality and informs the pattern of our days. Allied to this is the gift of Sabbath, a time to set aside work, lay it down, where the pace changes and rest and recreation restores life.
Last week it was a joy to have all our children and grandchildren (with the exception of Joshua, our youngest son who is teaching in Prague) staying with us in Wooler. The house was full, noisy. I have never watched as much early morning television and am now well acquainted with CBeebies and can commend Octonauts and Chuggington, although one week is enough! We have our two eldest grandsons, Isaac and Patrick, in the 'nursery room' next to our bedroom and they take great delight in waking early and coming in to our bed. To be woken with a storybook and the exclamation “Look Granddad, three boys and one girl in bed!” brings a smile to the face which is only dulled by the fact that it is so early. The four grandchildren are however a great tonic and a lovely reminder that they relate to you not because of what you do but because of who you are. They are also a reminder that if we are to enter the kingdom of God we are to become like children. This struck me as we made the first of several family expeditions out and about last week. On their first day we walked down to the local riverside and watched in awe and amazement at the dozens of salmon who were making their way leaping over the weir and up the salmon run. A magical hour was spent marvelling at God’s creation. Observing the grandchildren you see the virtues of simplicity, trust, dependence and uninhibited love and affection and whilst they are anything but perfect they evidence a beautiful transparency that mirrors the values of the kingdom of God. I am fortunate and incredibly grateful to God for children and grandchildren who I’m both proud of and delighted to be their father and grandfather. I recognise the blessing and benefits of being superbly parented myself which provides both inspiration and example for our own parenting. Of all the fun and games and enjoyment of them staying with us, I think one of my favourite memories would be that of spending a couple of hours in the garden with Ben, our eldest son and his boys, as we shifted stones and built a small wall and put the foundation down for a sculptured area in the garden. Simple tasks, simple pleasures, great companionship, good conversation, great fun.
Oh, it's time to get back to work.
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