Earth is crammed with heaven

I’m not a huge fan of Mother’s Day. I love being a Mum. I love my boys. I love my Mum. But Mother’s Day always feels a bit weird. Bittersweet. Tinged with sadness. Grief. What if’s. You too? Today’s word is ‘Rest’. So to misquote Little Mix, this is a  ‘Shoutout to the rest’ Here’s to the rest of you. I’m so grateful for you. The would-be Mums The not-yet Mums The I’m really glad I’m not Mums The never will be Mums. The really wish I was Mums. The I miss my Mum so much Mums. Don’t feel ‘less than’ today. Don’t feel you have to be what you’re not. Don’t worry that you’re not someone’s  ‘Like a mother to me.’ Or ‘Spiritual Parents’ Or anything else you feel you’re expected to be. Stop Breathe Smile  We love you Just the way you are Thank you for who you are. For sharing your life with ours. Today  And everyday  PS I may not be a fan of Mother’s Day  But I’m a massiv...

I watched the film, ‘Mary Magdalene’ today. I wanted to be her. From the archives: "Mary" Jesus said. She turned and cried out "Master." John 20:16 Amid life With it's twists and turns Hopes and dreams Love calls my name. In times of joy Laughter Excitement Love calls my name. When I doubt Fear Despair Love calls my name In my life With it's twists and turns... hopes and dreams... Love calls my name Love True love Forgiving love Real love A love full of life Hope And possibility Calls me by my name.

I think too much. I’ve been told it lots of times By lots of different people  So it must be true. Over recent years I’ve realised  That spending time in my own head Isn’t always a good idea. Mindfulness has taught me  to be a bit less judgmental about my thoughts. They’re not good  Or bad They just are. I can notice them and let them go. I do however like a good ponder. It keeps me creative. It’s not thinking the same things over and over But  Considering  Reflecting  Contemplating  I start with a seed thought and run. Not literally  Obviously. Today’s pondering spot was a pond opposite our house. I walked  Listened Pondered Threw a stick  And heard  Three different bird songs. My head was a bit full when I left. It was less so when I returned. My heart was lighter  My spirit lifted. I can recommend it. Anyone fancy a ponder?

I’m learning to like being with people again. I may not chat excessively  but sometimes I will. I cherish moments to sit alongside Sharing views, Beauty Food  Laughter Tears And now and then  The slight leaning towards each other. The one that says  I know. I’m here. I have no words. Let’s just sit with each other. Our hearts connected through shared experience 

I am weary today. I had the best swim ever this morning. Spring is here and my endorphins are rejoicing. For the remainder of today  I will mainly be resting. Please send fruit. Or chocolate. Bearing fruit requires balance.

Some of you will know  we had a lot of deaths in our family in 2012. Once the funerals were over and birthdays and anniversaries began to roll around,  We realised that if we marked them all, We would be living in an almost constant state of remembrance. With the range of emotions that would bring. We decided instead that our remembrance  Of parents and grandparents  Would happen naturally.  With a joke, A smile  Their favourite food  A bottle of Irn Bru A “What would Grandad have said?” Laughter And tears that spring unbidden. Chris’s parents bought us a camellia  when we moved from Accrington. We planted it in a big tub In the ground  So that when we moved we could take it with us. It lived there for 13 years. When we moved to Harlow we bought  A beautiful new pot. Fresh soil. And it bloomed for a few years. Every year since they died, I watched with nervous a...

High Leigh Retreat Centre Things I’ve learnt this week: 1. My circumstances change all the time  so I can take each day on it’s merits. 2. I have some lovely colleagues  who I’m still getting to know. 3. God surprises me. All the time. 4. I love it when a plan comes together. 5. I am back. 6. I am confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord Here In the land of the living. Psalm 27:13