Seeing First Light

On the Beach: This weekend, on Lowestoft beach, was our annual First Light Festival with music and performance, arts and workshops, over 24 stages and venues… Folks from out church were involved in wellbeing sessions, hosting the ‘Soul Space’…

It’s the ‘First Light’ Festival because, Sunday was the Summer Solstice. As the most easterly point in the UK, we’re the first to see the sunrise. At 3.30 in the morning hundreds assembled to celebrate the first light with music, yoga, swimming…

At Men’s Shed: As usual were asked to help at First Light. Tables, noticeboards… and twenty seats made from pallets. I could look at a pile of pallets for hours, and just create splinters and frustration.

Richard, practical and creative, saw the light! Cutting one pallet in half, with two whole pallets, two half pallets and a handful of screws he made a serviceable seat. Nineteen more were created over the following weeks. All were usefully employed on the beach this weekend.

In the family: Yesterday was Father’s Day. We were invited to son-Andrew’s house for a family barbecue. Eight of us – two parents, two children, two partners, two grandchildren – enjoyed hot weather and good food.

We have shared experiences of life over many years… shared senses of humour, concerns memories, hopes… I reflected… On Father’s Day we remember good fathers, and good families in which we learn about life… sometimes experience darkness… learn to see light.

Around the table: At church yesterday Minister-Lou told the story of the couple walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Jesus has died; his friends – this couple in particular – are upset, confused grieving… The risen Jesus joins them on their journey; they don’t recognise him.

They share their questions and disappointments with Jesus. He listens, understands them, explains things. They invite him into their home, have a meal. Their spiritual eyes are opened; they recognise that it’s Jesus.

Musing… Seeing first light… literally, on the beach… practically, making things… relationally, in the family… spiritually, recognising Jesus around an ordinary table.