Enjoy the silence

Hello,

Whilst my last post was written in the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District I compose this latest offering from somewhere a little less romantic. The rolling countryside, photographers and water features has been replaced by the urban setting of my family home. I look out from my kitchen table through the finger printed glass that is the gateway to our conservatory. In the said building that was added to enhance our real estate I can see two feet wrestling with one another but no torso can be perused. I can tell you it is my daughter who is multi-tasking by sprawling out on her tummy whilst reading a book, watching children’s television, singing an unrecognizable song and of course foot wrestling. I can see pots of paint being stored as my good lady sets about painting another wall in preparation for us selling the house before becoming the curate at St Matthews Burnley in spring next year. I can see my back garden which is looking very post summer. There is a St Georges flag sticking out of moss infested, chipped flower pot I can’t remember if the flag originated from a World Cup, or a Olympics or a jubilee or non, of the afore mentioned but it’s certainly lost its regal appearance it acquired when purchased from the pound shop as the elements have taken its toll on the once healthy red cross of our great nation. An empty washing line, a punctured football, two guinea pigs and a much used and slightly rusting swinging hammock make up the setting I present before you this late October morning.

 

A PUNCTURED BALL

                                               
                                                ST MATTHEWS CHURCH BURNLEY

It’s the first day of the half term holidays here in Lancashire, I have taken a few days off to spend with the children but as is quite normal, I find that whilst the physical body is not at work the cogs and mechanics that engineer my thoughts and emotions reveal that I am still very much at ‘work’ in the mental sense. Being a manager anywhere carries certain responsibilities and from time to time those responsibilities are greater and more challenging than other times in one’s career. And so a holiday is often a welcome relief for many of individuals that live in the world of supervision and responsibility. Some people enjoy the stress of a busy day or an unplanned crisis that throws the once smooth running period in to utter turmoil. Some people really enjoy being the problem solver, the font of all knowledge, the go getter the star of the future, the unbreakable and the most heroic. However some people just can’t cope with the pressure of management or deadlines, they wobble, make mistakes blame others and make excuses. Ultimately falling into a pit of despair and ultimately failing, frequently through no fault of their own. Being placed into a position of responsibility without the necessary skills and experience is in my view is one of the worst things any business can do and is both detrimental to the business and the individual. I’m pleased to say that has not really been something I have experienced except in the instance of a company that is long gone and no longer trading. The manager who ‘led’ us was way out of their depth and to be honest would have been out of their depth had they just been paddling in the gentle waves that may occasionally reach the shores of the vast dry beaches of the Southport coast line. The reality was they were not a great manager but the truth was the individual was a truly lovely person and someone who I respect personally if less so professionally. I’m pleased to tell you that individual left the world of management and found their niche and they excel at what they do now, that is something that encourages me greatly.

SOUTHPORT (BY THE SEA)

So whilst the great and the mighty flourish and the inexperienced and the misplaced ‘fail’ it leaves those sometimes floundering away somewhere in between  sometimes the ones we forget about, the individuals that manage but are not managing and barely coping. The vulnerable individuals that externally communicate that all is well but internally their world is challenging and joyless. I do believe that up and down the land we inhabit there are thousands and thousands of individuals in this unhealthy category. This can be extended out to not just businesses and managers but to the ups and downs of living of relatively normal life. In the very busy secular world that dominates the working week for most of us today people are struggling to cope with ever increasing chores, school runs, clubs, shopping, bills, relationships and so on and so on.  The lives we are living are so often in the uncontrollable fast lane and often we find ourselves breaking the speed limit of life to cram it all in.

Yesterday I led family worship at St Johns church Higham and I asked the congregation to raise their hands if they felt life was just so hectic and if they struggled to get things done in a day. I can’t be certain but if I suggest 99% of the parishioners raised their hands I don’t think I would be too far out in my estimation. All this pressure that is placed on people and this pressure that we place on ourselves is a real cause for worry and concern. Where are you right now? Be honest with yourself, are you loving every minute of every day? Are you in control of your destiny and well-being? What could you do to alleviate the pressure of life?

                                               ST JOHNS HIGHAM (NEAR BURNLEY)

I know that many of those who may read this blog would prefer more humor and amusing anecdotes from my colorful past and much less of the religious and Jesus loving rhetoric that I often conclude my blogs with. On this occasion you may be deeply disappointed.

The pace of life you/we/I are living will not slow down on its own accord, something or someone has to intervene and reclaim the time and space that is desperately required in our lives today. Church or Faith or Christianity or religion or whatever words you choose to use describe people like me often comes in for much criticism. ‘Church’ is often described as boring, out of date, out of touch, irrelevant, bigoted, and serving nobody but themselves. Well who knows? Maybe the criticism is just and correct. But don’t be surprised if I disagree!  Maybe we, the church, are little old fashioned maybe we are struggling to cope with the digital revolution, maybe we use language of bygone days, maybe we need to adapt quicker to the changing world.

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL

Maybe, maybe, maybe or maybe not! I have no idea why people come to church, I haven’t asked but I guess for many reasons, to worship God, for friendship, for company, for tea and biscuits and so on and on. I would suggest in this mad crazy world that for many of you church is simply not an option it’s not your bag, it’s far too uncomfortable for you to consider but I challenge you how comfortable or uncomfortable is your life right now?    I encourage you to do one thing though. In this country of tolerance, inclusion, equality and free will. Please look at church through maybe a slightly different lens. Not as a place where you are going to be indoctrinated and battered by the will of the all fearing Priest, but as a place of opportunity and sanctuary and community away from the hectic lifestyle you live. I have often in the past taken friends or colleagues to Blackburn Cathedral and the stillness, beauty and tranquility of the space is often remarked upon. As a future ordained minister, I don’t expect people to come and fall to their knees on entering a church, I don’t expect you to become a devout Christian and plead for your sins to be forgiven. I will not turn you away for your color or your sexuality or your religious background and I will welcome you if you’re an atheist or agnostic, loving life or deeply frustrated, but I will encourage you to find some space for quiet contemplation and listen to the silence that will surround you!

 There is a verse in the Bible it writes ‘Come to me all who are heavy laden and I shall give you rest’.  It’s in the New Testament in the book of Matthew 11:28.30. For theologians they are expected to understand it, study it, explain it and preach on it. For those non theologians I suggest you don’t need to do any of the above but simply respond to it. Churches and cathedrals are beautiful historic places of worship and the next time you are visiting a city or parish and the door is open (which it should be) then why not nip in, sit down, enjoy the silence and be encouraged to take the sting out of life and put some peace and ‘you’ time back into your weekly schedule.

Many blessings from Burnley

Alextheanglican.