Thought for the Week

by the Rev Dick Watson

Associate Minister, All Saints Church, Ilkley

HAVE you observed the international space station move across the night sky yet? It is like a brilliant star that, in a couple of minutes, crosses from farthest west to farthest east. Its occupants are on a journey of risk and discovery which they share with thousands of others on planet earth. Their journey fascinates and enthrals us.

Each one of us on planet earth is called to a journey of discovery and purpose too. But do we have a clear idea of our destination through life, and how to get there?

Who or what is our compass; what are our aims and purposes and with whom are we travelling?

The forty days of Lent which began on Ash Wednesday (the day after Pancake Tuesday!) present us with an ideal time to ponder and meditate upon these questions of life.

Could we be following the path of materialism and self-interest, which may curtail our generosity and thought for others along our journey? (Generosity may be something simple like a smile, a courtesy, an act of kindness, a word of comfort, or perhaps as a gift expressed financially).

Are our aims concerned only with with those closest to us, or are we able to see the world beyond our immediate horizon….a world without boundaries, as seen from space?

Many of our fellow-human beings are experiencing risky and hazardous journeys as they face the perils of sea-crossings as refugees, fleeing war, persecution or oppression, whilst elsewhere in our world there are others struggling with disease or unrelieved hunger.

Life for most of us has its ups and downs, with its twists and turns, and for many, its long-hauls, which call for faith and perseverance.

St Paul in his letter to the early Christians in Rome, says: “We can rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character; and character produces hope; and hope does not disappoint because God has poured out His love into our hearts..” (Romans 5.3-5)

Maybe you (or someone you know) is journeying alone; at times not knowing which route to take, and perhaps running low on fuel? How can such seemingly negative experiences be transformed into positive ones?

Lent is a good time to resolve to make connections afresh with God, as revealed in the life of Christ. He too had wilderness experiences during which time He was sustained by the Holy Spirit. We too may find that in our uphill journeys, we become more aware of our own limitations, and, in opening ourselves to His love, may become more aware of God’s abundant grace in sustaining and blessing us .

During Lent, Churches Together in Ilkley are following Christ in the “Stations of the Cross”….recalling a journey that took Christ to the Cross but which ended in victory and new life, in which we can share.

As we gaze at the night sky, may that bright shining “star” remind us of other horizons beyond our earthly ones; of God’s eternal presence and sustaining power from generation to generation, and may each one of us have the openness to be guided by Him on the rest of our journey through life.