I
am writing this on return from a week at Horton on the Gower Peninsula – an
area where I have enjoyed many holidays from childhood. Over the years, firstly with my parents, and
later with Ron and our sons, I have walked many stretches of the coastal paths
and visited just about all the beaches. This year Ron and I set off on a walk
we’ve done many times before, down through the Bishopston Valley to a bay
called Pwll Du (which is Welsh for Black Pool).
It’s a few years since we last undertook this walk and when we came to a
choice of paths through the woods we couldn’t remember which route we usually
take. We made the wrong choice, and
found ourselves in the middle of the wood, tramping along an overgrown
path, on the opposite side of the stream to where we wanted to be.
We
battled through brambles and nettles, scrambling under and over fallen tree
trunks and squelching through deep mud in places, and eventually emerged,
scratched, stung and muddy, on to a familiar track, leading to a most idyllic
scene at the back of the bay. Cattle
were grazing near a ford in the stream, the sun was shining and the view was
breathtaking. We spied a bench, made of
yew, and it seemed to beckon! Time for a
rest and a drink, we decided. I don’t
know how long that bench has been in place, but I don’t remember seeing it
before. We were surprised and delighted
to see two inscriptions. One, along the
front edge, reads, “All this beauty is of God”, while carved into a corner on
the seat are the words, “I will give you rest”.
It was a moment to thank God for the scene before us, the sunny day, and
for emerging safely from our long trek through the woods. It was also a reminder to give thanks for the
rest that comes with a holiday.
There
are many kinds of rest, from the blessedness of sleep at the end of a tiring day, or relaxation after exercise, to
the rest that comes with the cessation of pain after illness, or recovery from injury,
or the peace of mind that comes when a difficult situation is resolved. For people going through troubles of various
kinds it can be hard to find the rest we crave.
“I will give you rest” is a promise given by Jesus recorded in the
Gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 11 verse 28. Some of you will be familiar with this
promise from the Comfortable Words which are included in the Prayer Book
service of Holy Communion, and which may be used in the newer services. Jesus invites those who carry heavy burdens
to come to him so that, however difficult our journey through life may be, and
whatever obstacles we face, we can find spiritual rest and peace in his
presence.
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
No comments:
Post a Comment