麻豆约拍

A reflection and prayer to start the day with the Rt Rev Mary Stallard, Bishop of Llandaff/

Good morning.

Recently whilst holidaying in Greece our family have tried to take one tiny, positive, environmental action by walking to places rather than hiring a car.

In Northern Kefalonia, for several years we鈥檝e enjoyed exploring pathways through the countryside, helped by tiny signs left by someone who each year has painted little way-marks - parallel lines in the blue and white of the Greek flag - like an equals sign to indicate straight on, or curving left or right to show where to change direction. Where there are often myriad goat paths through the fields and forests these signs have been so useful in pointing the way.

This year we noticed that many of these signs have not been refreshed and some of the paths are quite overgrown with weeds. Whatever the reason for this, it made finding the way a lot more difficult. We had to search hard for old faded signs, and our commitment to walking off-road cost us scratched legs and many more wrong turns than usual.

The experience has made me more aware of my gratitude to those who mark the way for others, and who clear the paths we use. Navigating life experiences such as bereavement, stress, or serious illness amongst friends and family has often led me into difficult and unfamiliar territory. I鈥檓 so grateful for the help I frequently receive from family, kind friends, and even sometimes from strangers or unknown people, who sign-post ways through life鈥檚 challenges and adventures.

God of hope, thank you for all, living and departed, who lead and help us on life鈥檚 journey, whose lives offer way-marks and signposts that help and encourage. Help us to be signs of life for others. Amen.