despite last weeks frenzied cathedral environment, i ventured in once again and to my surprise i was greeted with a still, quiet, motionless space. i felt relieved as I fell back into my chair, letting out a sigh.
the quiet clanging of keys broke the silence in the distance, and their carryers' steps gave a rhythm to the heaters blowing a comforting warm welcome. i mulled over the phrase; 'be still, and know that I AM God.'
I sat back and reminded myself of the weekend. thoughts raced into my head....
I remembered pushing open the door and being greeted with the strong smell of the polished floor and wooden panelling. Park street was empty and it was over. we'd spent a good part of the day lugging equipment around and setting up, and had enjoyed a couple of hours serving others with Gods love. It was re:fresh's first Acts of Kindness Day alongside 'Park Gigs' in the city centre, one of the first community action projects under the Hope 08 banner too. not many folk turned up, but it was cool giving out about 150 cups of free hot chocolate to keen shoppers, homeless and the occasional visitor. Bands played and entertained passers by and the market stalls. Great weather. It was a good atmosphere and not too cheesy. Hard work but good fun.
My thoughts turned to the week ahead, and opening my eyes I realised again - that was not my reason for taking time out at the beginning of the week. the reason is to spend time with God, not about his business, but with him. I strained to let go of my plans and to think on Jesus. And, probably for the first time in my life, looked up to the high altar and tried to get a glimpse of the cross. I've never taken much notice of altars, or crosses for the matter, but this time it felt significant, as something that helped me focus and helped me worship - it wasn't religious at all, but something genuine and surprising. Yesturday evening a few of us gathered to pray and chat about this years Network 4 Youth conference - YOU CAN - in the spring. The verse 'let us throw of everything that hinders..and run with perseverance the race marked out for us..fixing our eyes on Jesus...consider him who endured'..(heb12) I spent a moment trying to consider him, knowing that if I considered him more often, my life would be turned upside down, I would realise in greater depth my race is all about him, he's the one I run after, he's the reason for running and there's no point in hanging around and being lazy. But even still, we need that stillness to consider him. to think and learn from him. to be with him. knowing that He is God.
chairs began to be stacked and the clashing echoed around the stone walls for sometime. Laughter joined in and the cathedral began to come to life. Visitors entered. I thanked the Lord for the week ahead, and the beginning of the day and remembered Dietrich Bonhoeffer saying...
'each day is a fresh start with God. It is long enough to find him, and it is long enough to lose him.'
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