Lent

Lent began last Wednesday. It's not the sort of thing we usually do. However I thought it wouldn't hurt and might even do me good if I gave up an addiction. In this case, Radio 4. I know one authority, Phillip Day of the Campaign for Truth in Medicine, who belives we would all be healthier if we had no newspapers and other info input. Well we already don't have a TV so I've given no-radio a go. And it wasn't that easy but I am learning that sitting quietly is no bad thing; that I don't always have to be 'doing' something (just as well as I've been Proper Poorly for about a fortnight now) and that maybe God is mighty pleased when we allow him to get a word in. There is a great temptation to fill the gaps, in our silences and our activities. Whilst I was ill I watched Lark Rise to Candleford given me by the African Family. What a different lifestyle back then. Yes, dirt poor, cold and miserable often but much more sociable it seems to me, more singing and birdsong. And the world will still keep on without my knowing what has happened. Tomorrow will mark a week of radio-free living. I'm not a legalist. maybe tomorrow I'll switch it on again. or then again, maybe I won't want to.

Guest Blog - 'Magic Moments'

HoF muscles in for a few words here. I have to take full responsibility for a wimpish escape for four nights away from the gloomy weather, and stolen from in between reponsibilities. Once, years ago, we witnessed a bunch of Japanese tourists on their annual 5 day break, marching out of a coach, taking a photo of Hadrian’s wall and then tramping off. The whole process took less than a minute. I was inclined to be scornful then, but now I am becoming convinced that a small moment of beauty is much better than no moment at all.

So, burning up our green credentials (if any), we shot off to Tenerife at almost no notice, and fetched up in a brief paradise (in between rainstorms). Our room looked out on a green sub-tropical scene, and there was ‘proper’ grass, and a real mountain! Sometimes you have to see the sun, just to be fully convinced it is still there. And once convinced it becomes so much easier to appreciate the glimpses. Due to the glorious vegetation, our room only got the sun about once a day for ten minutes. I am sitting in it here for the only ten minutes. It was enough.

On our very wet day we set of in true Brit style with umbrella and coats to travel down the dramatic, but sodden coastline. We visited a 16th century old town, once a port before volcano activity upset things.

Afterwards we climbed up miles of switchback roads, some running like rivers, and eventually, around 4pm traversed the saddle between two mountains and plunged into instant unexpected (but hoped-for) sunshine. As we descended to the new southern coastline we left behind a wall of cloud hovering above the mountain. Then two hours of warm glory, before sunset.

Then the long climb back up the windy roads to be met by the same unmoved wall of cloud, and a dark, damp ride home. Privileged were we to witness all this, but blessed are those who can experience moments of internal sunshine realising that the Creator of sunshine is always present.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. II Corinthians 4:6

And now you know why I am not normally allowed on these pages!