When our Grandsons George and Archie come over to Knaresborough and we ask them where they want to go, their reply is always the same Brimham Rocks! It is their ‘happy place’ and it makes us happy, if not a little nervous about safety as we climb together. I wonder if you have a happy place? I think Jesus had a number of happy places especially with his friend Lazarus and Mary and Martha. It is not just a place where you can relax but a place you can just be.
George has been with us this week and he has provided this reflection by these photos of our afternoon at Brimham Rocks. You have heard the saying no doubt about being ‘caught between a rock and
a hard place’, were in a difficult situation we have to choose between two equally unpleasant courses of action. As we approach Remembrance Day I am sure there would be many war time stories that would have used this saying, and yet
so many people testified that God helped them through; O God our help in ages past’. And you in those situations are you reliant on God’s presence.
Sometimes of course we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders in our personal life and in our church life and in turning to our faith, we can trust in the words of Jesus; “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Just read those words over and over and drink in the love of Jesus and find rest in him as your burden feels lighter.
The final two photos above give us a sense of where we are as churches as we consider the future and where God is leading us. Sometimes change can feel like an immovable object and I am sure as Jesus got frustrated with his disciples, then it is true now with us and he calls us to take bold steps or even a leap forward. Before George did this leap he looked closely at it and asked us “do you think I can jump that” and whilst we did, there was only one way to find out[he landed it perfectly]. And there is only one way for us to come to our meetings in November to discuss the future and discern together what God is saying to us.
However you see yourself or our church in these photos may you know the presence of God in the love of Jesus and the support and direction of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s hold each other and God’s churches at Bilton and Knaresborough in love and prayer.
Your friend and servant
Alan
