James Woodward writes:
The Church has ‘seasons’ in its year. This week Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. It is forty days when Christians will prepare to mark the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. For most people, of course, it is a holiday and does not bear any particular significance. In Salisbury we shall have our annual pancake race and some of you may be beginning to think about what you might give up for Lent?
I have a suggestion for you to consider. Rather than deny yourselves chocolate or some other thing that you might miss for a while, why not think of taking something on – of doing something different?
We all live busy lives surrounded by noise and people and stuff. It can feel that we prefer noise and activity to anything else. ‘I must keep busy’ was something I heard one woman say to a neighbour recently. Life is full of tasks and people and things to do.
I have one suggestion of something that you might take up during Lent. Practise silence. Take yourself away from the noise and distraction of the comings and goings of your life. Find a space and be alone. Be quiet. Be still. Be attentive and consider that in this stillness there is the presence of God who loves you and cares for you. Your life is precious. This divine presence holds you and your life.
There are moments in our lives where we cannot sit still, and we are overwhelmed by the turmoil in us and around us. There is so much in our world and lives today to give us concern: war, political uncertainty, a neighbour struggling with illness, friends whose marriages are under strain. In these concerns, it can be very hard to sit still and listen.
But in this listening, it is possible to hear the still small voice which is the presence and providence of God who will hold us in his love.
During Lent seek out some solitude to find some time for you within the presence of God. Allow the busy voices of work and social life and even sometimes the very noisy voice of religion to subside. Listen for the sillness of God who is the one present in the silence of the heart of yourself.
Try taking a walk. Go into the garden at night and stir up to the stars. Find a quiet corner in a Church. Give yourself a few minutes silence each day to contemplate and even to pray. In this, you will find the presence of God.
(If you are looking for somewhere to have a bit of space, then have a look at what we offer at Sarum College for retreats and breaks. For clergy in ministry we offer bursaries for such stays.)