Yesterday I went to church… ‘Lunchtime Prayers’ is a good opportunity to be still in the middle of the day’s busyness. We used a helpful liturgy that included: ‘In the midst of the day, we pause to reflect upon God’s goodness and mercy…’
I heard… ‘In the mist of the day…’ Here in Lowestoft, we know what sea mists are; vision is impaired, its cold, damp and a bit miserable… Some days present themselves as misty – it’s difficult to see what to do or where to go… Life’s not desperately bad, just cold, damp and a bit miserable.
I came home… In a heavy shower of rain, in the garden, a little robin was in the bird bath, washing itself, then shaking itself dry in the rain. Sometimes life’s mistiness makes as much sense as having a bath, then shaking myself dry, in the rain.
I watched… World Cup cricket… Commentators mention the ‘corridor of uncertainty’ – If a ball is straight the batter must play it; if it’s wide, he can leave it. Between the two is the corridor of uncertainty. Sometimes, in life’s mistiness, I’m uncertain whether to play or leave.
This morning, reading Numbers… The travelling nation… living in the desert… rules for isolating infectious diseases, testing for an unfaithful wife (not an unfaithful husband!), shaving off hair as an act of dedication to God… Fascinating social history, but misty in its relevance or application…
Through the mist shines Aaron’s blessing: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’
I returned to yesterday’s liturgy: ‘In the midst/mist of the day, we pause to reflect upon God’s goodness and mercy, and to commit the day afresh to his guidance and upholding.’
Living in the mist… miserable, mad and uncertain… I seek God’s blessing, grace and peace. Whether today is misty or clear, God’s presence, guidance and strength are enough.
malcolmsmusings.org 