This morning it's definitely 'old clothes and porridge' - four hours work under my belt and a few more to be done before the day is done.
I had a good, restful, restorative and reflective time in Wales, managed to read no less than four books (two fiction, two non-fiction), listened to an audio book, completed a craft project, and walked miles.
Hyddiw, the name of the cottage in which I stayed is Welsh for 'today' or 'now'. I like the word, not least because it defies every conceivable English pronunciation, and also because it has a sense of "present continuous active"... being as much a verb as a noun; as a state of being as much as a defined period of time.
The weather was amazing - mostly clear blue skies by day - and lashing rain by night! The temperature dipped below freezing - and peaked into the teens.
I was reminded of the words from Hebrews 3:13, 'while it is still called today...' To have spent time in a place called 'today' or 'now', to have centred on being present rather than active (though plenty of activity did happen), and to have enjoyed creation - all was good, and God-given.
Now, though, it's back to 'business as usual' and a couple of utterly crazy weeks in prospect!
Comments
What a lovely name for a cottage! I like the idea of 'now' as present continuous active'. It is possible to be centred on the present while active. Conversely it's possible not to be fully present in the 'now' while inactive. There's something about being present that implies an openness to see, hear, notice and respond to God 'now'. I like Hebrews 2: 14: "For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence frim to the end. As it is said, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion'." I hope you can carve out some space to be still in your 'couple of utterly crazy weeks'.
Thank you, Nancy, I love that verse also. It is a lovely cottage, in a lovely tranquil corner of Wales , and I was very blessed to enjoy time there.