MINISTRY MUSINGS – July/August 2023
Sand between my toes, salty sea splashing, soothing my soul. Dream-filled hours in the sun.
I know for sure that my troubles, doubts and fears haven’t disappeared, but for now I’ll let them drift away on a seaweed scented breeze.
And I’ll surrender too my need to know, and control-freak tendencies, and for now I’ll let the sun warm me like a hug of pure love.
from Poems and Prayers for Summer by Mary Fleeson
That all sounds very lovely doesn’t it. Have you ever enjoyed such a time. It never lasts very long, even if you are lucky enough to get to the sea-side. Always there are the interruptions. Mummy can we … or we have to move for some reason. Such times are lovely but they don’t last.
As I’ve lived through rather more years than I care to admit to I have come to appreciate warmth whether from the sun or the central heating or indeed from the friendship and love shown to me by others.
I was invited onto Radio Northampton in June. They were profiling Yardley Gobion and I was asked to talk about St Leonard’s. What can be said about St Leonard’s but that it is all about the people who join together in that building, planning and doing wonderful things for other people and worshiping God in lovely ways.
However, when I was asked to talk about myself I didn’t mention that I am learning to be a Contemplative. I say learning because it takes a life-time and then some! But don’t let that put you off.
Contemplation is a Spiritual path – a way of life. …
In many traditions, the word “spirit” refers to life-force, the basic energy of being. The breath of life. The Hebrew ruah, Greek pneuma, Latin spiritus, and Sanskrit prajna all mean both ‘breath’ and ‘spirit.’ This life force is seen as manifest in our love–in the passions and inspirations that motivate us and connect us with the world and with one another. It gives meaning to our lives and is the source of relationships, work and all that we consider meaningful. It isn’t something special. It’s absolutely ordinary and natural. We all have a spiritual life. Lots of information if you want to learn more on the Shalem Institute / What is Contemplative Spirituality?
One of the Contemplative practices is Meditation and I hold a meditation session each Thursday evening both in person and on zoom – at the same time 6.00pm. Everyone is welcome to come along or zoom in. You don’t have to follow any religion although as I profess to be Christian that’s my preferred base. Contact me on 01908 542289 or email admin@southcleley-benefice.org.uk for details.
The world and everyone in it needs to be a contemplative. And spiritual practices like meditation bring a different perspective to those who practice it – calmer, peace-seeking and more importantly a changed perspective on life.
Who needs to feel the sand between their toes and relax in the warmth of the sun? It would be nice!
Perhaps short periods of meditation each day might bring us into a place where we can enjoy ‘Just Being’ wherever we find ourselves. Have a good summer. May your indwelling Spirit of God (Love) bless you.
Mary McVay
Lay Minister – in the South Cleley Benefice of Churches in Cosgrove, Furtho, Potterspury, Wicken and Yardley Gobion.