Stop, Reflect, Be Grateful, Do Something!

On Saturday Allan posted pictures of our Lowestoft coast. It’s what I see most days. I stopped, realising again how grateful for where I am and what I have – what I so often take for granted.

I saw yesterday (Sunday) with fresh eyes. I went to church and enjoyed worshipping, reflecting, learning; I chatted to folks I’ve known for many years; we shared lunch with a few good friends; daughter-Jo and family popped in; Rachel and I walked beside the sea…

Stop, reflect, be grateful

My Aunt Helen was a Christian missionary widow in North Africa for most of her life. In human terms she didn’t have much. I remember her quoting the old words from the Psalms ‘The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places’.

The phrase refers to the ancient division of the land among the Israelites (particularly relevant today!) The size, shape and dimensions of the land were ascertained by measuring lines. The writer is blessed with a good inheritance; he’s content with what he has.

Aunt Helen stopped, reflected and was grateful.

When we travel by rail we’re often interrupted by an irritating voice saying, ‘See it, say it, sorted.’ The transport police are asking us and other rail passengers to be vigilant, to look for unattended bags or people behaving suspiciously. We keep ourselves and others safe by reporting unusual items or activity…

Stop, reflect, but do something!

This morning I read: ‘God is love, Whoever lives in love, lives in God… there is no fear in love, But perfect love drives out fear… We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God’, yet hates his brother he is a liar…’

I stop… from the ordinary stuff of life, Christmas busyness and activity

I reflect… on people, situations, yesterday’s events, today’s plans…

I’m grateful for… those I share life and love… Aunt Helen’s example… my God’s love,

I must do something!… What should this active love look like for me, in me, today?