Cautious as we need to be, with the reality of Covid 19 still in our midst and the threat of a second wave looming as a specter over us, the peace gained with the simple freedom of being outside soothes the soul. It is summer and Creation’s colourful splendour abounds!
Our Quiet Garden blooms with ever changing loveliness, as nurtured by the Holy One and our own Quiet Gardeners. Recent maintenance by hard working men has upgraded the landscaping along the ichthys path. A physically distanced walk along it offers the opportunity to open all of your senses to the beauty offered there.
These are challenging times and many of us have been isolated now for months. For some of us, our lives are been busier than usual, with virtual meetings, and alternate ways of doing things, filling our days. For others, there has been profound loneliness and despair. Life has marched on, births, deaths, health issues, relationship struggles, moves and employment and financial stresses. There are worries and pressures of all kinds and so there is the need to respond to God’s invitation to “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heaven burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
As we try valiantly to ‘hang in there’ sometimes we forget that we are not alone. We forget that there is a Person to whom we can pour out all our griefs, all our questions, all our hopes and dreams. We neglect to open our minds and hearts to the One who walks with us always and offers the “peace which passes all understanding” trying, rather to ‘do it all’ without help. Today, as the serenity of the Quiet Garden calls you to pause and take a deep breath, recognize the One by your side and give thanks.
“Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Christ the Saviour is our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer.”
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Text: Joseph M. Scriven Music: Charles C. Converse