Holy Island I

From my pitch at Beal I look out over to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) the wind is blowing and I'm feeling really quite exposed. I can see the waves breaking on the shore in the near-distance but the sun shines as if all is tranquil on the island that means so much to so many.

I started reading, at the beginning of my sabbatical, a book that was given to me by my mother for Christmas (along with Stanley Tucci's 'What I ate in one year'); 'Wayfarer' by Phoebe Smith. The book is described as 'love, loss and life on Britain's ancient paths.' It just so happens that as I sup on my gin and tonic (local gin, of course), I am reading of the author's pilgrimage to Lindisfarne. She's not someone of faith but, in the course of work embarks on a assignment to walk the Camino de Santiago and from there goes on more pilgrimages in search of answers in her own life.

In the early pages of the book, as Phoebe reflects on a relationship that she is to end, she joins up with the British Pilgrimage Trust. I loved the description of the invitation she receives - 'BYOB - Bring your own beliefs.' It reminded me so much of the work that we do at home; nurturing people in their own journey of life - their faith journey. I've been so blessed that in my own parish we've had people join in the life of the established faith community that calls iteself the Parish of Four Saints. Some looking for something more in their own faith journey, some moving to the area from other churches and others not really knowing what they believe but sensing a need to explore. To ask questions. To be with others who might just be in the same place as they are.

I often say in church and at church events, we don't have the answers. Many of us are asking a whole host of questions. But in Jesus, we have found something and want to find more - want to find out more. We want to try to follow the way of Jesus and in doing so get to know God a bit more - and allow God to get to know us a bit more. We open our doors to enable people to connect - not even necessarily to connect with God; more to connect with others, to form community and support. To 'do' life together. But isn't that what Jesus, God incarnate did? He joined people in their own lives. Went through all the stuff ordinary people did. And in doing so, brought God to them. Jesus showed love to the people he encountered and helped others (often those with a hard heart) see how they might love. See how they might do things differently.

My own prayer is that I might, on this journey just get a little bit closer to Jesus. For my own heart to not be so hard at times. For a little of God's light to shine from me. A little like the light on that island that is holy, Lindisfarne. Here's hoping.