The Book of Joy

Last week, I completed my first walk since my recent 'adventure'. I joined the 'gerontocrats' - a group of older men from Broughton and area who go walking every Wednesday. Altogether about 20 of them, so they average 10-15 each week. I had been told that, given their age, 'nothing too strenuous'. Well that may have been, but Wednesday was certainly a challenge. Nearly 8 miles distance and 2,700 feet of climb. We climbed High Street, Knott and Kidsty Pike, so 3 more to my total of Wainwrights. But it was seriously exhausting for me, and I was well behind the field by the time we finished. I was stiff all over for 2-3 days afterwards, but at least this time I was properly equipped and didn't get lost, with an experienced band of fell walkers, many of whom have climbed all the Wainwrights at least once. It was a glorious day, fabulous views, awesome fells and lakes, and a real sense of achievement by the end. Unfortunately I can't go every week with this gang, as I have staff meeting, but I will certainly go again when I can.

We have spent a couple of days in Liverpool, which was restful; and also a joy to meet Jude back from the land of Oz, and to see all her photos.

On a visit to Newcastle recently, I went to spend some book tokens, not being too sure what to buy. One book jumped out at me, as one of my 'rescuers' had recommended it to me: 'the Book of Joy', subtitled 'Lasting Happiness in a Changing World'. Written by Douglas Abrams, it is an account of  a week spent recently in the company of the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, on the occasion of the former's 80th birthday. He records their dialogue, on finding joy in the midst of turbulence and sometimes of pain. As both have suffered much in their lifetime - the Dalai Lama through exile and the Archbishop in the years of South African apartheid - they have real and deep experience to share. Though both come from different religious traditions, they clearly have much in common, asserting the need for rigorous mental discipline, space for contemplation, and a desire to bless humanity.

I have found particularly helpful their 'Eight Pillars of Joy', which they expound as a form of positive thinking and blessing when faced with circumstances which might otherwise depress or oppress. The pillars are:

• perspective
• humility
• humour
• acceptance
• gratitude
• forgiveness
• compassion
• generosity

I look forward to reading more - and putting them into practice.

This evening, a confirmation at Dean. Two men from Broughton, who have recently come to Christ; and the wife of one of them who chose the occasion publicly to reaffirm her baptismal faith. Such a joyful occasion, especially as all 3 chose to share their testimony. It was significant that all three faith stories involved a wedding last year. In the case of the couple, it was their daughter's wedding - she and her now-husband is a Christian, and the whole service was filled with a strong sense of God's presence; in the case of the other, it was his own wedding last year (in mid-life) which started his journey. Makes you realise just how important it is to do these services well.

Harvest

It's been a while since the last blog. Away one weekend, and last week just no time.  It's been a bit quieter this week. The last couple of days have been a bit anxious as river levels have risen, but we seem to be safe so far and while more rain is forecast it seems more sporadic. The threatened hurricane on Monday has now been downgraded.

I have circulated this prayer. It seems to me that we don't always pray what is on our heart, so this is an encouragement for us all to do so. I believe God hears and answers, but of course the result is not guaranteed. So Paul, the chair of our Churches Together group, is one of several Christians involved in preparing a practical response to any further flooding. I don't believe in the 'power of prayer' but I do believe in the power of God!

Jesus, Lord of wind and rain,

Save our town from floods again.

Save us and help us Lord, we humbly pray. Amen.

Last Saturday, I met with my two 'rescuers' in Carlisle, and also spent some money on getting better equipment to protect me next time I go walking. It was good to meet them in normal circumstances. One of them is now officially retired from the Fire & Rescue service, having witnessed one horrific event too many, and struck down with PTSD. He is now qualifying as a hypnotherapist, and wants to use his skills to help others struggling with various kinds of phobias and compulsive behaviours. It was interesting talking to a couple of guys about male vulnerability.

Tomorrow is the last of our harvest services, where we have been encouraging our members to commit or recommit to giving, as part of their discipleship. It seems an appropriate time to do this, as we reflect on the bounty of God in creation. The particular theme I have in mind is that Christian giving is a kind of investment in God's future. We give, not because we expect some result or some pay-off, but because God will accept what we offer and use it for the purposes of his Kingdom, the results of which we may or may not see. This is counter-cultural, because we normally expect to see a successful out-turn for our investment. It is not usual to give without expectation. Nevertheless, we have made sure people do have the facts about the financial needs of our churches for the next 12 months.

Today, there was an open day at Broughton Church, to which we had invited local residents. The turnout wasn't great numerically, but there were some really good conversations. Slowly, I believe, we are reconnecting with the village.