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18/11/2019
A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with the Archdeacon of Bangor, Mary Stallard
Last on
Mon 18 Nov 2019
05:43
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
Script:
Good morning.Β One of the things I love about walking in the countryside, is finding quiet tracks which offer a welcome contrast to the busy highways that for many of us are a familiar part of modern life.Β
Last summer our family had the joy of walking in Kefalonia, Greece, amongst an amazing network of forest paths, way-marked with small hand-painted stripes in the blue and white of the Greek flag. These signs were a challenge to spot on stones and tree-trunks - some high up, others at ground level on the criss-crossing tracks. Some were angled to show a turn in the route, there were just enough to show the way without spoiling the landscape.
Finding the right direction wasnβt easy, weβd have been completely lost without the signs. Occasionally we needed to retrace our steps when we missed one, and we were grateful for the trouble someone had taken, not only to paint the signs but to keep them fresh.
As I walked I wondered about whoβd painted the signs, and what had inspired them to make the effort? It also made me think about the people in my own life whoβve made an effort to show me the way, those whoβve guided, led and helped me. It challenged me to also think about the opportunities we each have to guide others.Β
One of the ancient names for Christians is followers of βthe Way,β which is a name Jesus called himself. He once famously spoke of himself as βthe Way the Truth and the Life.β Which seems apt to me since the task of following him involves seeking a sense of direction and living with purpose joy and hope.Β
Loving God, guide us throughout the journey of life, help us to be alert to signs of love today, even in unlikely places. As we find our way, may we encourage and help others. Amen.Β
Last summer our family had the joy of walking in Kefalonia, Greece, amongst an amazing network of forest paths, way-marked with small hand-painted stripes in the blue and white of the Greek flag. These signs were a challenge to spot on stones and tree-trunks - some high up, others at ground level on the criss-crossing tracks. Some were angled to show a turn in the route, there were just enough to show the way without spoiling the landscape.
Finding the right direction wasnβt easy, weβd have been completely lost without the signs. Occasionally we needed to retrace our steps when we missed one, and we were grateful for the trouble someone had taken, not only to paint the signs but to keep them fresh.
As I walked I wondered about whoβd painted the signs, and what had inspired them to make the effort? It also made me think about the people in my own life whoβve made an effort to show me the way, those whoβve guided, led and helped me. It challenged me to also think about the opportunities we each have to guide others.Β
One of the ancient names for Christians is followers of βthe Way,β which is a name Jesus called himself. He once famously spoke of himself as βthe Way the Truth and the Life.β Which seems apt to me since the task of following him involves seeking a sense of direction and living with purpose joy and hope.Β
Loving God, guide us throughout the journey of life, help us to be alert to signs of love today, even in unlikely places. As we find our way, may we encourage and help others. Amen.Β
Broadcast
- Mon 18 Nov 2019 05:43ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
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