hello gorgeous!

In these days of electronic communication, we tend to receive far less mail through our letter box than we used to.  We do, however, still receive our fair share of leaflets and flyers.  One which landed on our doormat recently stated in bold pink letters, "hello gorgeous" and in smaller letters underneath, "live happy! with Slimming World."  I suppose that the underlying message is that if we make the effort (with Slimming World's help?) to get our body into shape, and manage to look "gorgeous" then we will be able to live happier life.  But is that really true?

I must confess that I could certainly do to lose a few pounds, and I know people who have told me that losing some weight has been of real benefit to them, both physically and mentally.  On the other hand, there is a danger that we focus too much on our outward appearance, and worry over much about how other people may see us.  We could get sucked into the thankless task of chasing after the perfect body image (whatever that is!)

So, what do you see when you look in a mirror?  The most obvious answer is that we see our physical body.  But sometimes, when we look beyond our mere outward appearance, we can see something of what lies in our heart.  And that's where we need to look if we are to see our true selves, because who we really are is not defined by our outward appearance.  Just as we may not always like what we see when we look at our outward appearance, so we may not be all that positive when we see what lies within.

There are times when I look back over my life and have real regrets that there have been occasions when I haven't been what I should have been. I haven't always been the husband my wife deserves, or the father my children deserve; I haven't always been a great son, brother, friend, colleague or church leader.  Sometimes my many failures seem to pile up in front of me, at times hanging like a dark cloud over my life, as they reveal something of my inner self.

I am so glad that the message of the gospel is that we need to recognise our own weaknesses in order that we can truly acknowledge our need of God.  As Paul puts it, 'The Lord said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong' (2 Corinthians 12.9&10)

I may have made many mistakes on the way, but I am forgiven and embraced by the love and grace of Jesus.  I may not yet be all that I should be, but in his strength I am determine to continue to grow in my life as a follower of Jesus.  Once again using the words of Paul: 'I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above' (Philippians 3.12-14).

Cherish them while you can

Sue and I spent last weekend in Doncaster.  I had been invited to lead the Church Anniversary services at Priory Place Methodist Church, a church of which I was privileged to be Minister for 12 years.  I must admit to having been a little nervous about going back, not least because it had been 5 years since I had last taken a service there.  However, once I arrived and began to see familiar faces it didn't take long for the nerves to disappear and for me to feel very much at home.  Sue and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at Priory; it was great to have the opportunity to renew friendships with those we hadn't seen for some time.

Priory is a large church building, situation in the town centre of Doncaster.  In the late 1970s the building, which was opened in 1833, was redeveloped.  It was formerly a typical large 19th century Methodist church with a balcony.  During the redevelopment, the building was divided in two, creating a sanctuary area at first floor level.  Comfortable seating is provided in a horseshoe shape.  I have always liked the layout of the sanctuary area because it enables the worshipping congregation to see each other, rather than sitting in rows (looking at the back of other people's heads!) which is the case in most church buildings.

This also means, of course that the preacher has a good view of the congregation.  The interesting thing for me yesterday, as I stood at the front of the church, was that as I looked out at the faces of those who were present at the two services, I could also 'see' in my mind's eye (imagination) the faces of many other people who had been regular worshippers during my time as Minister of the church, but who are no longer alive.  Though my time as Minister of Priory wasn't by any means always plain sailing, I cherish some very special memories from those years, and of some wonderful Priory people who I got to know.

Life is often described as a journey.  None of us knows how long the journey of our earthly life will last, nor exactly where it might lead.  Along each section of our life's journey will be those who travel with us; some for many years and others, perhaps, just for a short time.  What I was reminded of during my time at Priory this weekend was how much we should value our friends and loved ones while we have them, and cherish each opportunity to spend time with them.  We don't know how long we have them for. Over the years, God has blessed me with many wonderful friends and an amazing family.  I'm not sure that I've always valued them as much as I should have done.  Sadly, it's sometimes only when someone is no longer around that we truly understand how much they have meant to us.

I am determined to try and value those who are part of my life's journey while I walk with them, and to cherish each and every friendship.

 

What to wear

A few weeks' ago, I came to a decision that I needed two or three more clerical shirts.  To buy a new one usually costs between £20 and £30, and (being the typical Yorkshireman that I am) I don't really like paying that much for a shirt.  I was delighted, therefore, to discover that a recently retired church leader was selling a number of his old clerical shirts on eBay!  I was fortunate enough to win the online auction and bought them for what I thought was a very reasonable price.

The shirts came in various colours, and when I wore a rather bright green one to church this morning it elicited quite a few comments!  Some church leaders wear particular colours for various seasons of the Christian year.  I simply chose the green shirt because it took my fancy when I got dressed this morning.

A few Sundays ago, on a particularly hot day, I happened to mention in church that I really would have preferred to have come in my shorts, but that the thought of some disapproving comments persuaded me not to do so.  After the service, one of our elderly church members came up to me and said, "You wear your shorts if you want to, we don't want you to faint!"

St Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, uses the clothing image to illustrate what followers of Jesus should be wearing in terms of their character traits.  This is what he writes:

'Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.'

I'm sure that God isn't too concerned about the clothing we wear on our bodies.  It's the kind of 'clothing' which Paul highlights which God really does want to see in our lives.