"Not for here, but for there, with the lost and the lonely
Not for here, but for there, with the broken and the hungry"
These lines are at the end of an inspiring new song called Bones on the latest David Gate album. The album is called Nothing to Fear. In my opinion David is an inspired songwriter, and someone I am pleased to know.
I think these words are prophetic in a way. Another part of the song is asking God to come and fill me, as I have no strength and can't do it on my own. God will come and provide us with His Spirit to give us the strength to carry out His work. We can not keep it to ourselves though, we must keep giving it away. God does not want us to be just in Church meetings all the time, that would not achieve anything apart from probably giving us a holier than thou attitude. We are to be out in the world doing God's stuff, and then to return to Him for re-filling.
When singing this song last night at a Hungry for God evening, God really spoke to me. My frustration that these evenings will now clash with football is pathetic. Football is where I am meant to be. I may not be the greatest player to have ever pulled on the shirt for Cheltenham Trinity FC, but that is where God wants me. If as a Christian I only had friends with the same believes as me, I would be falling very short of Jesus' commission for our lives. I am meant to have friends from all walks of life. I personally do not feel comfortable going up to someone and initiating a conversation about Jesus, But I need to be in a position to respond if the topic is raised. I also need to be a convincing advert for the Christian faith, and this is where I definitely need God's help.
Jesus' love is for everyone, the saved, the lost, the lonely, the broken and the hungry. He loves them all the same, though there will be a party in Heaven when one of the others joins the ranks of the saved. It is our job to invite people to join the party, and we can not do that whilst being in Church events all the time.
Tuesday 29 July 2008
Monday 28 July 2008
Cornerstone (III)
Finding ways to fit everything into the school summer holidays is harder than it looks. There is still the usual long list of jobs to be done, some of which are now years behind schedule. We are also trying to fit in at least one family outing a week, to keep the boys onside. They were both given the chance to choose where to go for the last two weeks. Last week we had a very enjoyable few hours at the Cotswold Wildlife Park, as chosen by the 5 year old. I know zoos are not everyones cup of tea, but I really like the chance to get up close and personal with creatures such as wolfs, lions and rhinos.
This morning we were in Bourton, as chosen by the nearly 11 year old. Not to visit Birdworld, which is the main tourist trip, but to two smaller attractions. The model village is typical of it's ilk, but worth a look. The model railway exhibition though is a very good cheap way to spend an hour or so. There are four track layouts, and three of them offer the chance for young (and not so young) visitors to control the trains. Bliss for three of us, hope my wife liked it too!
Yesterday, we had a trip to visit my wife's parents. Worked for our lunch though, clearing parts of both the garden and the attic. Hard work in the heat, but worthwhile, as feels good to be able to help them out, after them helping us in so many ways over the last twenty years. Spent few hours relaxing reading in the shade after lunch.
The bible teaches us to honour our parents, and for both parents and children to respect each other. Family has always been important to me, and is more so now as I have fewer immediate family than I once did, and those that remain are getting older.
Driving back over the Cotswolds today, I felt reminded that family is a cornerstone of my faith. Family life was important to Jesus, and we are taught to put family behind God in the pecking order, but above everything else. So easy to get that wrong at times.
This morning we were in Bourton, as chosen by the nearly 11 year old. Not to visit Birdworld, which is the main tourist trip, but to two smaller attractions. The model village is typical of it's ilk, but worth a look. The model railway exhibition though is a very good cheap way to spend an hour or so. There are four track layouts, and three of them offer the chance for young (and not so young) visitors to control the trains. Bliss for three of us, hope my wife liked it too!
Yesterday, we had a trip to visit my wife's parents. Worked for our lunch though, clearing parts of both the garden and the attic. Hard work in the heat, but worthwhile, as feels good to be able to help them out, after them helping us in so many ways over the last twenty years. Spent few hours relaxing reading in the shade after lunch.
The bible teaches us to honour our parents, and for both parents and children to respect each other. Family has always been important to me, and is more so now as I have fewer immediate family than I once did, and those that remain are getting older.
Driving back over the Cotswolds today, I felt reminded that family is a cornerstone of my faith. Family life was important to Jesus, and we are taught to put family behind God in the pecking order, but above everything else. So easy to get that wrong at times.
Friday 25 July 2008
Cornerstone (II)
If you have read my earlier post on All I Want, you will know that I have struggled with the Hungry for God nights moving to Thursdays, as that is the day that Cheltenham Trinity have our football night. I have been prompted by God to now look upon this as an opportunity, rather than a setback. I have benefited greatly from the Hungry nights, but God can bless us as and when He chooses, not just at large events. By laying down the chance to go to the Hungry nights on a regular basis, I believe that God will open up as yet unknown opportunities for us. As a result of the night change, Alpha is moving from Thursday to Tuesday, so longer clashes with football. Maybe an opening there for some?
I am wondering if the change in the Hungry night to the football night is a coincidence? The dictionary says that a coincidence is "notable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent casual connection". An alternative definition is a set of circumstances ordained by God. Throughout my life I can look back and see situations where I've wondered why am I at this place at this time, and then seen God do some amazing stuff. If the coincidence that had put me there had not happened, I would not have been blessed, or been in the position of being a blessing to someone else.
I have come to see these God ordained coincidences as opportunities, once I've dealt with the natural disappointment of missing out on the original thing. If we are to take what God has given us, out into our natural environments, and then give it away, we must use these opportunities. I must continue to get filled up by God, and I am sure that He will present me with other opportunities to be so.
In short, I feel another cornerstone of my faith must be to recognise and use God ordained opportunities.
I am wondering if the change in the Hungry night to the football night is a coincidence? The dictionary says that a coincidence is "notable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent casual connection". An alternative definition is a set of circumstances ordained by God. Throughout my life I can look back and see situations where I've wondered why am I at this place at this time, and then seen God do some amazing stuff. If the coincidence that had put me there had not happened, I would not have been blessed, or been in the position of being a blessing to someone else.
I have come to see these God ordained coincidences as opportunities, once I've dealt with the natural disappointment of missing out on the original thing. If we are to take what God has given us, out into our natural environments, and then give it away, we must use these opportunities. I must continue to get filled up by God, and I am sure that He will present me with other opportunities to be so.
In short, I feel another cornerstone of my faith must be to recognise and use God ordained opportunities.
Wednesday 23 July 2008
Cornerstone
This is the name of the very first Styx album that I bought. Got it on the strength of the song Babe, which I now detest as total slush!
What is a cornerstone? The dictionary says "one in projecting angle of wall, foundation stone, indispensable part, basis". As a Christian I believe that Jesus is the cornerstone of my life, but from the dictionary definition what else could be, or should be, part of my cornerstone?
If you have read any of my previous posts, you will know that I have been helped in a big way by the Hungry for God nights at Trinity. Last night, however, I chose to miss one to go out for a few beers and a curry with a good friend of mine. On reflection, I feel I was "fed" during this evening, as much as I would have been if I had gone to Trinity, if not more. I was obviously fed in the physical sense, and the curry was top rate. I was also fed in a spiritual sense as well. Not with the obvious and generous out pouring of God's Spirit, one might expect in a Hungry night, but nevertheless God was there.
This was not an evangelistic opportunity to me, this was just two good friends having a chat and a meal. I believe God was involved in our conversations even though He was not specifically mentioned.
I believe that the main purpose behind the outpouring of God's Spirit at the Hungry nights, is to equip the Church for mission, in it's widest sense. If I can try to reflect God's love for other people over a meal and a chat, then friendship must also be a cornerstone of my faith.
I am asking God to show me what other everyday events should in fact be cornerstones, rather than just happenings. Cornerstones are foundations and indispensable, so need maintenance to keep in good strength. God is the builder and master craftsman who will repair my crumbling foundations, I should then be able to use these foundations to good effect.
What is a cornerstone? The dictionary says "one in projecting angle of wall, foundation stone, indispensable part, basis". As a Christian I believe that Jesus is the cornerstone of my life, but from the dictionary definition what else could be, or should be, part of my cornerstone?
If you have read any of my previous posts, you will know that I have been helped in a big way by the Hungry for God nights at Trinity. Last night, however, I chose to miss one to go out for a few beers and a curry with a good friend of mine. On reflection, I feel I was "fed" during this evening, as much as I would have been if I had gone to Trinity, if not more. I was obviously fed in the physical sense, and the curry was top rate. I was also fed in a spiritual sense as well. Not with the obvious and generous out pouring of God's Spirit, one might expect in a Hungry night, but nevertheless God was there.
This was not an evangelistic opportunity to me, this was just two good friends having a chat and a meal. I believe God was involved in our conversations even though He was not specifically mentioned.
I believe that the main purpose behind the outpouring of God's Spirit at the Hungry nights, is to equip the Church for mission, in it's widest sense. If I can try to reflect God's love for other people over a meal and a chat, then friendship must also be a cornerstone of my faith.
I am asking God to show me what other everyday events should in fact be cornerstones, rather than just happenings. Cornerstones are foundations and indispensable, so need maintenance to keep in good strength. God is the builder and master craftsman who will repair my crumbling foundations, I should then be able to use these foundations to good effect.
Tuesday 22 July 2008
All I Want
What do I want? I'm not sure really. To be not so tired, to be a better dad and husband, to be not so quick tempered, not to be seeking other peoples approval all the time, to lose weight (though this is happening, albeit slowly), to be a "better" Christian, to have a decent singing voice, to have more security about different stuff. All of these and more probably.
The bible tells us that we have all we need in Jesus, and I believe this to be true. Despite the fact that I know there is a plan for my life, I still like to do things my way. What results. The problems that are listed as wants, that's what.
The bible also tells us that we can cry out to God about anything, and He will answer in His way. Simple, but also difficult. I want Him to answer my way, despite the fact that His way is infinitely better for me.
I believe that when we cry out to God, He will answer. I also believe that to "survive" in this world, we need to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit. That is why I have found the series of Hungry for God evenings so helpful. I have been touched by His Spirit there in powerful ways.
I felt frustrated and to a degree bitter, when I found that these were moving to Thursday evenings. Thursday night is football night! How was I to get my "fill up"? These thoughts need banishing. God will pour out His Spirit whenever we ask for it, not exclusively at "special events". I could ask now, and it would happen. I am sure that God would prefer me to be at football, trying to practice what I preach, rather than being at another "church event". Trying to play football with both Christan, and those who are not, in a style that incorporates integrity and fair play, is surely a better option.
I think that what I really want, is to be more open with, and about God. If I am then everything else, will probably fall into place.
The bible tells us that we have all we need in Jesus, and I believe this to be true. Despite the fact that I know there is a plan for my life, I still like to do things my way. What results. The problems that are listed as wants, that's what.
The bible also tells us that we can cry out to God about anything, and He will answer in His way. Simple, but also difficult. I want Him to answer my way, despite the fact that His way is infinitely better for me.
I believe that when we cry out to God, He will answer. I also believe that to "survive" in this world, we need to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit. That is why I have found the series of Hungry for God evenings so helpful. I have been touched by His Spirit there in powerful ways.
I felt frustrated and to a degree bitter, when I found that these were moving to Thursday evenings. Thursday night is football night! How was I to get my "fill up"? These thoughts need banishing. God will pour out His Spirit whenever we ask for it, not exclusively at "special events". I could ask now, and it would happen. I am sure that God would prefer me to be at football, trying to practice what I preach, rather than being at another "church event". Trying to play football with both Christan, and those who are not, in a style that incorporates integrity and fair play, is surely a better option.
I think that what I really want, is to be more open with, and about God. If I am then everything else, will probably fall into place.
Thursday 17 July 2008
Welcome To Wherever You Are
Yet another non Styx thread, but believe this one fits right in there. Heard most of this song on the radio last night, on my way to Trinity. Was so wrapped up in the words that I sat in the car park until it had ended before switching off the radio. It is by Bon Jovi and to be honest that surprised me. The words are awesome. Just look at the last verse for example, When you want to give up and your hearts about to break, remember that your perfect, God makes no mistakes. Amen to that. Encouragement from a "strange" source.
Welcome To Wherever You Are
Maybe we're different, but we're still the same
We all got the blood of Eden, running through our veins
I know sometimes it's hard for you to see
You come between just who you are and who you wanna be
If you feel alone, and lost and need a friend
Remember every new beginning, is some beginning's end
[Chorus]
Welcome to wherever you are
This is your life, you made it this far
Welcome, you gotta believe
That right here right now, you're exactly where you're supposed to be
Welcome, to wherever you are
When everybody's in, and you're left out
And you feel your drowning, in a shadow of a doubt
Everyones a miracle in their own way
Just listen to yourself, not what other people say
When it seems you're lost, alone and feeling down
Remember everybody's different
Just take a look around
[Chorus]
Be who you want to, be who you are
Everyones a hero, everyones a star
When you wanna give up, and your hearts about to break
Remember that you're perfect, God makes no mistakes
[Chorus]
Welcome To Wherever You Are
Maybe we're different, but we're still the same
We all got the blood of Eden, running through our veins
I know sometimes it's hard for you to see
You come between just who you are and who you wanna be
If you feel alone, and lost and need a friend
Remember every new beginning, is some beginning's end
[Chorus]
Welcome to wherever you are
This is your life, you made it this far
Welcome, you gotta believe
That right here right now, you're exactly where you're supposed to be
Welcome, to wherever you are
When everybody's in, and you're left out
And you feel your drowning, in a shadow of a doubt
Everyones a miracle in their own way
Just listen to yourself, not what other people say
When it seems you're lost, alone and feeling down
Remember everybody's different
Just take a look around
[Chorus]
Be who you want to, be who you are
Everyones a hero, everyones a star
When you wanna give up, and your hearts about to break
Remember that you're perfect, God makes no mistakes
[Chorus]
Wednesday 16 July 2008
Soldiers Under Command
Some astute person will probably work out that this is not a song performed by Styx, but by Stryper, those of the Christian power rock songs of the 80's. The band are still going apparently, although lead singer Michael Sweet is currently on loan to Boston.
For a few months now this song has been buzzing around in my head, which is strange as as far as I can remember I last played the album years ago. I even attempted to lead a small group discussion on both this and Makes Me Wanna Sing. I have a tendency to try to include rock music in discussions that I lead.
I think the reason for the recall is becoming clearer. At the last Hungry for God night at Trinity, the lead pastor shared that he felt that God was raising an army to fight for Him. As he mentioned this, the song came straight back into my head, even though other music was being played at the time. He also thought that God may be allowing some stuff to happen to us to prepare us for the battle. This makes perfect sense to me. A soldier needs to be ready. You can read all the books about warfare, or the manuals on how to use a gun, but it is only when you try to do it, that you find out if you are ready for the task. That is why the army have mock up battles, to test soldiers under as realistic conditions as possible.
I certainly feel that God is preparing me for something, I would love to know what though. Stupid stuff is happening which is effecting me when it shouldn't. Tiredness is quite often all consuming. I can see these as minor mock up skirmishes to test my readiness. In reality I feel I need loads more training, both mentally and physically to be ready, but if you look at the world stage it looks like the battle is starting. As someone once said, on the job training is the best there is.
I believe that in the end God will triumph, and with a degree of trepidation I want to be a Soldier Under His Command.
Soldiers Under Command
We are the soldiers under God's command
We hold His two-edged sword within our hands
We're not ashamed to stand up for what's right
We win without sin, it's not by our might
And we're fighting all the sin
And the good book -- it says we'll win!
Soldiers, Soldiers, under command
Soldiers, Soldiers, fighting the Lords battle plan
Are you a soldier under God's command
Help fight the good fight, join us while you can
The battle that's waiting is fought so easily
Through Him, without sin there is victory
And we're fighting all the sin
And the good book -- it says we'll win!
For a few months now this song has been buzzing around in my head, which is strange as as far as I can remember I last played the album years ago. I even attempted to lead a small group discussion on both this and Makes Me Wanna Sing. I have a tendency to try to include rock music in discussions that I lead.
I think the reason for the recall is becoming clearer. At the last Hungry for God night at Trinity, the lead pastor shared that he felt that God was raising an army to fight for Him. As he mentioned this, the song came straight back into my head, even though other music was being played at the time. He also thought that God may be allowing some stuff to happen to us to prepare us for the battle. This makes perfect sense to me. A soldier needs to be ready. You can read all the books about warfare, or the manuals on how to use a gun, but it is only when you try to do it, that you find out if you are ready for the task. That is why the army have mock up battles, to test soldiers under as realistic conditions as possible.
I certainly feel that God is preparing me for something, I would love to know what though. Stupid stuff is happening which is effecting me when it shouldn't. Tiredness is quite often all consuming. I can see these as minor mock up skirmishes to test my readiness. In reality I feel I need loads more training, both mentally and physically to be ready, but if you look at the world stage it looks like the battle is starting. As someone once said, on the job training is the best there is.
I believe that in the end God will triumph, and with a degree of trepidation I want to be a Soldier Under His Command.
Soldiers Under Command
We are the soldiers under God's command
We hold His two-edged sword within our hands
We're not ashamed to stand up for what's right
We win without sin, it's not by our might
And we're fighting all the sin
And the good book -- it says we'll win!
Soldiers, Soldiers, under command
Soldiers, Soldiers, fighting the Lords battle plan
Are you a soldier under God's command
Help fight the good fight, join us while you can
The battle that's waiting is fought so easily
Through Him, without sin there is victory
And we're fighting all the sin
And the good book -- it says we'll win!
Wednesday 9 July 2008
Unfinished Song
Sitting in my study at the moment, the rain is pounding down on the window above me. I know that the rain is vital for the existence of life, but it's getting to me, when will the sun come back? Life is feeling similar in a way, lots of I'm fed up with this thoughts, then bursts of God's sunlight, which both illuminates and revives. I know life needs both rain and sun to exist to the fullest, and we also need both in our spiritual lives.
It is good to ask questions, such as how do I get there, and where am I going. Often other people appear to know the way, and are confident on their journey, whilst I sometimes feel like I'm going round in circles. I think that on Sunday, God showed me a picture using the flower display in front of where I was sat. There was a tall green stem which went round in circles as it went up, with new shoots at the top. I think that to reach the top, sometimes we need to go in an apparent circle, to make the ascent easier, bit like hairpin bends on mountain roads.
Why can't my heart be free, why can't I share yet? Probably because like all of us, I am still an unfinished song. I am a work in progress, and one day I'll be where I belong, with complete peace of mind. What should I bring along? All God wants of me is a willing and repentant heart, which acknowledges that He has paid the ultimate sacrifice to allow me to be free. For the present though, I need to let God set the course, and allow Him to get me there. I have to keep letting go of more and more stuff. It is hard work to do this and trust that it will work out for the best, but it must be done. I also know that as well as His Spirit to guide me, He will put fellow travellers on the road with me to help me journey in the right direction. So I think that I'll let Him complete this Unfinished Song.
Unfinished Song
Where am I going
How do I get there
What should I bring along
Are people kind there
Is peace of mind there
Will I finally belong
Cause you know ships sail their courses
And heroes ride horses
They know where they belong
But I travel in circles
Quickly to nowhere
Singing my unfinished song
Some poets say that
There'll come a day that
I'll find a place for me
Why aren't I there yet
Why can't I share yet
Why can't my heart be free
Cause you know ships sail their courses
And heroes ride horses
They know where they belong
But I travel in circles
Quickly to nowhere
Singing my unfinished song
It is good to ask questions, such as how do I get there, and where am I going. Often other people appear to know the way, and are confident on their journey, whilst I sometimes feel like I'm going round in circles. I think that on Sunday, God showed me a picture using the flower display in front of where I was sat. There was a tall green stem which went round in circles as it went up, with new shoots at the top. I think that to reach the top, sometimes we need to go in an apparent circle, to make the ascent easier, bit like hairpin bends on mountain roads.
Why can't my heart be free, why can't I share yet? Probably because like all of us, I am still an unfinished song. I am a work in progress, and one day I'll be where I belong, with complete peace of mind. What should I bring along? All God wants of me is a willing and repentant heart, which acknowledges that He has paid the ultimate sacrifice to allow me to be free. For the present though, I need to let God set the course, and allow Him to get me there. I have to keep letting go of more and more stuff. It is hard work to do this and trust that it will work out for the best, but it must be done. I also know that as well as His Spirit to guide me, He will put fellow travellers on the road with me to help me journey in the right direction. So I think that I'll let Him complete this Unfinished Song.
Unfinished Song
Where am I going
How do I get there
What should I bring along
Are people kind there
Is peace of mind there
Will I finally belong
Cause you know ships sail their courses
And heroes ride horses
They know where they belong
But I travel in circles
Quickly to nowhere
Singing my unfinished song
Some poets say that
There'll come a day that
I'll find a place for me
Why aren't I there yet
Why can't I share yet
Why can't my heart be free
Cause you know ships sail their courses
And heroes ride horses
They know where they belong
But I travel in circles
Quickly to nowhere
Singing my unfinished song
Tuesday 1 July 2008
I Can See For Miles
Last Saturday, I took myself off on one of my day trips to North Wales. The 170 mile trip from here to Barmouth was fine, apart from being stuck behind an old ditherer for the best part of 30 miles on a windy road, though I did not get annoyed as I usually do by this. Barmouth is a place you either love or hate. I love the fact it's on an estuary, got a great sandy beach, traditional harbour, and just behind it are the southern Snowdonia hills. In fact the very first bit of land given to the National Trust was there. My "excuse" forgoing this time, was to see the start of the three peaks yacht race. Sail from Barmouth to Caernarvon run up Snowdon, sail to Whitehaven, cycle and run up Scarfell Pike, sail to Fort William and run up Ben Nevis.
I went for a walk over the hills, to a place known as Panorama Hill. The views from here are outstanding. Look west out to sea over the estuary, and the rail bridge that crosses it. Look east up the estuary and it's valley, look north over the mountains, look south over the estuary to the Cadair Idris range of mountains. This is without doubt my favourite spot in the world, and I often take myself there for a brief period of resting in the awesomeness of it all. Up there you can really see for miles and miles on a clear day, even when it is overcast it still is spectacular.
I left Barmouth about half six, to drive over to Rhostyllen, an ex mining village just outside of Wrexham. This is a trip of another 60 miles. Here I met up with some friends of ours, who my wife met 20 years ago at college. I had a pleasant evening of drinking one pint of decent beer, then J20's, whilst on a trip round three of the village's watering holes. Despite only knowing two out of a group of people numbering about a dozen, I was made to feel welcome and included.
About 11.45 headed back home, a further 120 miles, slightly longer this time as M6/M5 junction southbound closed for road works.
Although a very long day, it was definitely worth it. On reflection, I think I have been given some insights from the day as well. The acceptance by my fellow drinkers in Rhostyllen, showed the way we should all be accepting of the stranger in our midst. I also think that the views from Panorama Hill showed me two things. Firstly that from a peak you can see a large picture, there are lots of different things catching your eye eg fields, rivers, cottages, mountains and the like. All of these different things are needed to make up the big picture. Sometimes when we are in our small bit at ground level, the big picture is not visible, and as such we can not see how different things/people link together to make a masterpiece. In the same way, this view would not be complete without the valley and the peaks. Our lives go through both peaks and valleys, but God is at work in both. On the peaks we are refreshed by the mountain dew and rain, and hopefully can see our fellow travellers in the valleys, and offer them whatever aid we can. In the valley, there is a large incoming tide up the estuary from the sea, which eventually covers the whole area. God's love is like the incoming tide, and will reach everywhere in the end.
I'm glad I can go there, and on most visits God speaks to me, even though that is not the purpose of the trip! This time I could see for miles and miles, and I think I am beginning to appreciate why. I have been greatly encouraged by the whole day.
I went for a walk over the hills, to a place known as Panorama Hill. The views from here are outstanding. Look west out to sea over the estuary, and the rail bridge that crosses it. Look east up the estuary and it's valley, look north over the mountains, look south over the estuary to the Cadair Idris range of mountains. This is without doubt my favourite spot in the world, and I often take myself there for a brief period of resting in the awesomeness of it all. Up there you can really see for miles and miles on a clear day, even when it is overcast it still is spectacular.
I left Barmouth about half six, to drive over to Rhostyllen, an ex mining village just outside of Wrexham. This is a trip of another 60 miles. Here I met up with some friends of ours, who my wife met 20 years ago at college. I had a pleasant evening of drinking one pint of decent beer, then J20's, whilst on a trip round three of the village's watering holes. Despite only knowing two out of a group of people numbering about a dozen, I was made to feel welcome and included.
About 11.45 headed back home, a further 120 miles, slightly longer this time as M6/M5 junction southbound closed for road works.
Although a very long day, it was definitely worth it. On reflection, I think I have been given some insights from the day as well. The acceptance by my fellow drinkers in Rhostyllen, showed the way we should all be accepting of the stranger in our midst. I also think that the views from Panorama Hill showed me two things. Firstly that from a peak you can see a large picture, there are lots of different things catching your eye eg fields, rivers, cottages, mountains and the like. All of these different things are needed to make up the big picture. Sometimes when we are in our small bit at ground level, the big picture is not visible, and as such we can not see how different things/people link together to make a masterpiece. In the same way, this view would not be complete without the valley and the peaks. Our lives go through both peaks and valleys, but God is at work in both. On the peaks we are refreshed by the mountain dew and rain, and hopefully can see our fellow travellers in the valleys, and offer them whatever aid we can. In the valley, there is a large incoming tide up the estuary from the sea, which eventually covers the whole area. God's love is like the incoming tide, and will reach everywhere in the end.
I'm glad I can go there, and on most visits God speaks to me, even though that is not the purpose of the trip! This time I could see for miles and miles, and I think I am beginning to appreciate why. I have been greatly encouraged by the whole day.
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