News from a sabbath journey

For the last 3 months I have had the privilege of a sabbatical, time to be refreshed and restored for God’s work in the churches here in South Bristol.

I spent some of it walking the length of the River Severn, from its source in the hills of mid-Wales to Severn Beach just outside Bristol.

Like Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4.30-32) the river is a vivid illustration of the way tiny things can grow into something mighty and powerful, as drop is added to drop of water. Good encouragement for when we think our efforts to do what God wants don’t seem to achieve much.

Walking along the river reminded me that the life of the Spirit is God’s work - often invisible, like the unseen fish under the surface of the water, God is constantly at work in our lives if we do our bit and walk alongside him. Over the 210 miles there were times I got soaked by rain or the sun shone a bit too hot to be comfortable and so I learnt just to keep on walking, every step was progress of a sort! There were also times when I was struck by the beauty of the river valley, the hills around, the wild flowers and the birds - the rare flash of a kingfisher, the stately patience of a grey heron, the busy paddling of ducks and geese, the occasional splash of a jumping fish.

It was great to walk with the encouragement of friends for some of the way, and to spend other days on my own with a chance to think, reflect and pray and enjoy the history and the beauty of the river.

Thanks to everyone who supported me on the way, and who filled in back home with tasks at church. A sabbatical is a real privilege but a reminder that all of us need ‘sabbath time’ whether it is on Sundays or on a summer holiday - time to reconnect with God, to rest, to have some fun, to be creative, and to be restored by worshipping the original creator and the redeemer of all our days.

Thank you, Lord.