麻豆约拍

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with the Revd Carolyn Skinner, sports chaplain

I wear one of those GPS watches when I run. The type that tells me what my average pace per mile is. Pacing myself, on every level is important. I am a creature of rhythm and routine. Over this last year and a half, like everyone else, I have had to re-examine what rhythm looks like. It is all too easy to try to run life at breakneck speed but we all know this is neither healthy nor sustainable.

A pacesetter in sport, leads a middle or long-distance running event for the first section to ensure a fast time. But sometimes in everyday life the pace that we need to follow is not one of speed but of slowness. I love this reworking of Psalm 23 by the Japanese poet Toki Miyashina:

The Lord is my pacesetter, I shall not rush.
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.
He provides me with images of stillness
which restore my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency,
through calmness of mind,
and his guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish this day,
I will not fret,
for his presence is here.
His timelessness,
His all-importance,
Will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity
by anointing my head with the oil of tranquillity.
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours,
for I shall walk in the place of my Lord,
and dwell in His house forever.

Living God, we thank you that you are a God of rhythm. Help us to walk in pace with you.

Amen