I’ve been missing in action on my blog for three months. I’ve not been lost for words. I’ve had too many. Having too much to say is as painful as having nothing to say. Words and stories have been buzzing in my head along with the happenings of life; some sad, some happy, yet interesting enough to keep me on my toes. But I needed a rest!
I left my last blog in December vowing to have a clean slate for the approaching new year, clear all my clutter and leave my diary blank for a while to escape the white noise of my life.
I got through quite a bit of decluttering but my mind was constantly being inspired with ideas for stories. You see, I didn’t declutter my activities at the same time as decluttering my stuff so I’ve been hurtling along at the same pace with those and kept meeting myself coming back trying to fit everything in. Now, here I am in Holy Week looking forward to a quiet time of reflection on the Easter story.
I decided to have April off from my regular activities to achieve space in my head.
I’ve not abandoned all of them. I still have three on the go.
- I’m writing, thinking about writing or planning the order of my 3rd collection of fictional short stories.
- I’m dancing and have booked a weekend of dance for 21/23 April at Cober Hill, which is within walking distance from my home. I’m looking forward to being with friends and enjoying circle dance time together.
- I’m seeking out places of sanctuary to enhance my spiritual awareness.
I’m not fully recovered from the shock of how easily the church gave in to world pressure over the LBTGQ+1 debate, which divided the church in such a dramatic way that I made the difficult and uncomfortable decision of leaving my own place of worship to escape being in the midst of conflicting views.
I am currently part of a non-denominational house church which celebrated a year of being together recently. We experience mutual support of one another as we express our faith using individual skills and talents within the group and have grown in number to become a close-knit community.
However, I do need a time out from even that occasionally and from the world’s inconsistent rhythms so I seek out quiet spaces in order to spend time alone in God’s presence.
In Matthew 11:28-30 (Amplified Bible) Jesus says:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].”
Jesus does mean ALL when he says this, regardless of how we identify ourselves. ALL are welcome to spend time with Him. Just as ALL are welcome at the Lord’s table (communion).
Holy Week is a perfect time to find quiet space (in your head as well as physically) when thinking about the first Easter and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. It’s also the perfect time for those who are not followers to maybe feel at least curious enough to find out more about Him.
Maundy Thursday will see me in a quiet spiritual retreat with three others as we remember the final night of Jesus’ life on earth. Good Friday will see Churches in Scarborough unite for the Walk of Witness from Alma Square to the Castle in a re-enactment of Jesus’ journey to the cross. Easter Day will be a celebration of praise in churches everywhere for the resurrection of Jesus.
I find it an emotional time personally and it takes me back to how I felt when I first encountered Jesus on 10th March 2007 (leading into Holy Week). I was at rock bottom. It had taken many years for me to realise my faith but when I found it that day, I couldn’t let it go. Jesus offered unconditional love. Who can refuse that?
Well, enough of me prattling on. I’ll carry on with my month off.
I wish you all a Happy Easter whatever your plans are.
‘And then my heart with pleasure fills and dances with the daffodils.’ (Wordsworth)
With love for the journey
Julie
For The Journey 