Pastoral Reflections
Shortcuts…
Shortcuts are handy, but always navigating the world using them means we risk missing spectacular scenery and exquisite experiences found by taking the road less travelled. Often the unexpected or unexplored destinations are the most peaceful and memorable.
Another night with the frogs…
Moses did say he would pray to a God that Pharoah didn’t believe in. Just the same, if you had an absolutely overwhelming, seemingly impossible problem to solve, would you wait until some time in future? Or might you take the chance and ask someone to pray for you today?
A blanket fort or church?
Could it be that Jesus has a remarkable CV of not breaking things, but putting them back together?
The recipe of life…
Cooking and life are similar. They both need love. Is there a recipe for life?
What’s love got to do with it?
Even if it’s just for a few moments a day, everyone needs a safe space. Everyone needs to be loved.
A leaf fell to the ground…
Like someone flicked on a light in the midst of a bad dream I didn’t know I was in, I am startled again. In God’s story every story is important. Mine. Yours. Every single one.
A pathway of kindness…
So, you awaken in the morning. You gently rub the sleep from your eyes and enjoy a long wriggle and stretch. Yep. And a cup of coffee. What do you expect today? Kindness?
The Spirit of creation…
From his ancient writings we learn that all creation longs for the revelation of his children and the ‘birthing’ of a time when all creation is at peace. How might this be possible? By the revelation of his Spirit that embraces it all together. Not superior. Not lesser. But deeply connected.
One thing about Jesus…
That’s what I want to say about Jesus. He’s not cranky about any mess ups. He doesn’t expect us to clean up our act before we come in
The bread warden…
Hundreds of years of capitalism have elevated money and belongings to a god status. We rely on money for security and peace. Think about that. Is that working for you right now?
Journeying with eyes open…
Most religious philosophies have their eyes fixed upon some kind of heaven as the destination. Such a pity if God himself is eager to be revealed today through unexpected and unimaginable encounters: in his creation, with other peoples’ stories, or even in the spiritual realm.