My Six Stages of Awake

Yesterday… visiting the beautiful town of Oban in the West of Scotland… reading Miranda Hart’s ‘I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You’… being increasingly aware of different life’s stages and changes.

I was born. Miranda Hart: ‘…there’s only one of you in the whole history of mankind ever. No one who has come before you is the same. No one who has come after you is the same. You are the only you who has ever appeared in history…’

Awake in Life.

I did stuff. We watched a ferry sailing into Oban. The boat left a wake behind it. I’ve lived a busy, active life. My actions, good and bad, at home, work… everywhere… inevitably had an impact on others. I’ve left a wake behind me.

A wake from Busyness

I’ve enjoyed Scottish scenery. This is the view of Loch Awe from our hotel window. It’s awesome! I used to enjoy nature by being active in it; getting older I’ve slowed down. Sitting and looking isn’t necessarily a better appreciation; it’s certainly different – and awesome.

Awake to Beauty

I’m aware of people. Miranda Hart quotes American Gregory Boyle. He describes a healthy awareness ‘…to stand in awe of what folks have to carry, rather than in judgement on how they carry it.’ I pray that I’m increasinglymoving from criticising to understanding then respecting others.

Awake to People

I shall die. There will be a funeral, then a wake. We drove past a beautifully kept graveyard yesterday; we were told it has won national awards. I’ve learnt that Rodney, the elderly resident sheep in our home Pakefield parish church graveyard has just died.

A wake following Death.  

I believe in heaven. King David describes death: ‘I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.’ St Paul explains ‘I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in  a flash, in the twinkling of an eye.’

Awake from death to new life.