We were spanked for each other’s sins. Spanked in syllables and by the word of God. Before dark meant home time. My grandmother’s mattress knew each of my siblings, cousins, and the neighbour’s children’s morning breath By name. A single mattress spread on the floor was enough for all of us. Bread slices were butteredContinue reading “whole: day 26”
Tag Archives: wellbeing
whole: Sunday 3
I understand now that I’m not a mess but a deeply feeling person in a messy world. I explain that now, when someone asks me why I cry so often, I say, “For the same reason I laugh so often – because I’m paying attention.” Glennon Doyle Melton FOR NOW WE SHALL SEE THROUGH AContinue reading “whole: Sunday 3”
whole: Sunday 1
I cannot rub the strangeness from my sight I got from looking through a pane of glass I skimmed this morning from the drinking trough And held against the world of hoary grass. (from ‘After Apple-picking’, Robert Frost) For the last few years I have been trying to change the way I think and talkContinue reading “whole: Sunday 1”
k’s big birthday gratitude project 2
Some of you will have already come across a version of this post or an extract of its content … but there are at least two immediate reasons to repeat myself! The first reason for being especially grateful is that the Godspace blog has been central to my growing confidence as a writer and thusContinue reading “k’s big birthday gratitude project 2”
watchnight 2020
The water is one thing, and one thing for miles. The water is one thing, making this bridge Built over the water another. Walk it Early, walk it back when the day goes dim, everyone Rising just to find a way toward rest again. We work, start on one side of the day Like aContinue reading “watchnight 2020”
Sunday 4
Joy is hidden in compassion. The word compassion literally means ‘to suffer with’. It seems quite unlikely that suffering with another person would bring joy. Yet being with a person in pain, offering simple presence to someone in despair, sharing with a friend times of confusion and uncertainty … such experiences can bring us deepContinue reading “Sunday 4”
Sunday 2
you need to be very stillto hear the concert of your body to think about what you contain salt and waterknows what it’s doingrenewing itselfback to earthit is a quiet thingthis is where our riches arewe are all red insidebrimming with loveall fluid and quiet and fire. ‘Core’ Kerrie O’Brien I am on the journeyContinue reading “Sunday 2”
psalms for passiontide: Holy Wednesday Psalm 70
I find it fascinating that the Lectionary gives two days for me to contemplate this psalm in Holy Week. What can possibly be so important in it that I need to hear it twice? The subtitle of this psalm reads, ‘To the leader. Of David, for the memorial offering’ and there is an academic theoryContinue reading “psalms for passiontide: Holy Wednesday Psalm 70”
psalms for passiontide: Holy Tuesday Psalm 70
Psalm 70 is a psalm for anyone (like me) whose faith seriously wobbles from day to day, moment to moment. It is a psalm that is a cry for help, and the psalmist needs help in a hurry. It is full of worry, of panic, and there is a growing sense of urgency as theContinue reading “psalms for passiontide: Holy Tuesday Psalm 70”
Psalms for Passiontide: Passion Sunday: Psalm 51.1-13
A poem full of washing images seems utterly appropriate at this time of pandemic when I am so aware that where some are bored, others are paralysed by anxiety; when some are taking opportunities to get to grips with new technologies, others are pressured to the point of seeming breaking by the demands of beingContinue reading “Psalms for Passiontide: Passion Sunday: Psalm 51.1-13”