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From West Thurrock |
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Dear Friends, On the wall in front of me as I write this are, among other things: a map of the world; a lovely painting of a river with the sunlight shining through the trees on the bank and a secluded cottage whose little garden runs down to the river’s edge; and a decorated wooden cross with the words ‘When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, “I used everything you gave me.”’ (Emma Bombeck). All three of them, in different ways, help me to turn my thoughts towards God – the map in its widest sense is a reminder of this amazing world. It’s also a focus for prayer for peoples and situations around the world, and it reminds me of the diverse places God has brought us together from, as we make up his wonderful church and wider community in this place. The painting is one that I loved from the first time I saw it because it shows the kind of place where I feel most at peace and where I love to go. For me it has the feel of a little bit of heaven on earth. It makes me smile and it makes me want to thank God for all that’s good! And the words on the cross I try to live up to each time I read them – they reflect a desire to live in a way that will enable God to say to me, “Well done good and faithful servant” when I do come to the end of this part of the journey. I find it helpful to have these reminders to fix my thoughts on and to help me pause with God, to think and pray. In his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul said, “Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things… and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4: 8,9). What things are you giving yourself to think about? You may not need objects like these to turn your thoughts to God, but sometimes such things are helpful. But even if such things as my map and painting and cross were not available I could pause and think on the words of a hymn, a beautiful sunset, the sound of laughter or just the love of the God who came to make himself known to me. The point is to allow yourself opportunities to ‘think about these things’ and in so-doing to pause with God and allow his peace to meet you.
With love Michelle
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Grays Thurrock Team Ministry |
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St Peter & St Paul’s
Dock Road Little Thurrock
London Road West Thurrock
The Beacon Centre |