This poem was written in 1879 by Gerard Manley Hopkins in response to the felling of a row of poplar trees, I share it here after the felling of the iconic sycamore tree at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland.
My aspens dear, whose airy cages quelled, Quelled or quenched in leaves the leaping sun, All felled, felled, are all felled; Of a fresh and following folded rank Not spared, not one That dandled a sandalled Shadow that swam or sank On meadow and river and wind-wandering weed-winding bank.
O if we but knew what we do When we delve or hew— Hack and rack the growing green! Since country is so tender To touch, her being so slender, That, like this sleek and seeing ball But a prick will make no eye at all, Where we, even where we mean To mend her we end her, When we hew or delve: After-comers cannot guess the beauty been. Ten or twelve, only ten or twelve Strokes of havoc unselve The sweet especial scene, Rural scene, a rural scene, Sweet especial rural scene.
I’ve been a runner on and off over the years, but never as seriously as in the last ten years. I used to run at school, and I especially remember running along the beach when I lived in Filey on the North Yorkshire coast. My decision to take it up again in 2013 was prompted by a desire to raise money for the Salvation Army’s Annual Appeal, as well as the need for a significant challenge to get fit.
So, not having run for many years, I entered the Middlesbrough 10K road race (that’s 6.2 miles). But, after my first training run round the block, I seriously wondered what I’d let myself in for. This was going to be a challenge in my late fifties. In the end though, I ran it twice with both times under an hour.
Now, in my late sixties, I don’t want my young children to see me as an old father, rather as a fit and active dad who’s fun to be with. So, I regularly run 5k parkruns, even if nowhere near my personal best of 25:03 set in 2014 when I was fifty-nine.
Advancing years are working against me, but I’ve currently got no plans to retire from running!
Isaiah 46 contains two sharply contrasting pictures; the first is of people carrying their god, the second one is of God carrying his people.
Isaiah can’t help smiling when he sees the shallow religion of the nations around Israel, what a miserable thing it must be to have a god who is a burden, who must be carried from place to place. So, he draws a humorous picture of a glittering god that looks great, but needs half a dozen men to carry it, a useless burden that weighs them down.
The second picture is of God our Heavenly Father, who carries his people from before birth, through life and past death into eternity.
These two pictures represent two types of religion. On the one hand, one that must be carried, that’s a burden, that’s a duty, which weighs us down and wears us out. On the other hand, one that worships a God who upholds with his powerful arms, one that carries us, lifts us, lightens our spirits, and fills us with peace and joy.
I know which religion I prefer! Unfortunately, there are some Christians who choose the heavy, burdensome religion. Is it any wonder people reject it?
The disciples who met the Risen Jesus on the Emmaus Road recognised him when he broke bread. Their spirits were lifted: Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?Luke 24:32
Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth wrote: Come, blessed Jesus, come; Break bread again for me; Lord open Thou my eyes that I Thy living self may see. Then joy shall fill my heart, My strength be all renewed To witness of Thy death and life, By Thine own power endued.
As we open ourselves up to God our Heavenly Father, and as we come humbly into his presence, he lifts us up and fills us with his nature.
Let’s not be content with a religion of strain and struggle, fear and duty, heavy hearts, and clouded faces, when we can have a faith that carries our burdens, lightens our spirits, and fills us with love, joy, and peace.
True faith is attractive, it draws others to Christ. May we never turn anyone away because our religion is joyless, judgemental, and narrow. 1 John 5:3-4
Jesus condemned the religious leaders of his day because of the heavy loads they put on the people. Matthew 23:1-4
How refreshing, then, are the words of Jesus: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.Matthew 11:28-30
May that be real in our lives, and may we share it with those around us, as we recognise the true nature of God our Heavenly Father.
Following our visit to Goathland with friends in August 2023, we moved on to nearby Whitby, a unique place where history, seaside charm, and Gothic legends converge.
Nestled along the rugged Yorkshire coastline, Whitby is a coastal gem that seamlessly marries history, seaside charm, and an air of Gothic mystique. This picturesque town in North Yorkshire, England, is renowned for its rich maritime heritage, stunning cliffside views, and a literary legacy that has captured the imaginations of many.
Whitby’s history is deeply intertwined with the sea. Its harbour was once a bustling hub for shipbuilding and whaling.
Whitby’s charm extends to its sandy beaches, perfect for leisurely walks or traditional bucket-and-spade family outings. The town’s award-winning fish and chips are a must-try, enjoyed while taking in the panoramic views of Whitby’s iconic red-roofed houses, snugly nestled against the backdrop of lush green hills.
Whitby is forever etched into literary history thanks to Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” The author was inspired by the town’s eerie ambience and the brooding ruins of Whitby Abbey. The abbey’s Gothic arches atop the East Cliff offer breathtaking vistas of the town and coastline.
We always enjoy a visit to Whitby, but (be warned) it can get very busy on some days.
We visited this quintessential English village in August 2023 with family and friends. Goathland captivates with a blend of natural beauty, historic allure, and a touch of cinematic fame. This charming village in North Yorkshire offers an enchanting escape for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and film aficionados alike.
Stepping into Goathland feels like stepping back in time. The village boasts a well-preserved historic character with its stone-built cottages, cobbled streets, and a sense of timeless beauty. As you wander through its quaint lanes you immerse yourself in the rich history that permeates the very air.
Goathland’s heritage railway station is a standout feature, exuding vintage charm, but it’s more than just a relic of the past; it played a pivotal role in the much-loved TV series “Heartbeat.” Additionally, it serves as a key stop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a renowned heritage railway line that offers a scenic journey through the spectacular Yorkshire countryside.
Goathland has made its mark on the entertainment world as a favoured filming location. It’s famously known as “Aidensfield” in the TV series “Heartbeat.” For Harry Potter enthusiasts, it’s also the real-world counterpart of “Hogsmeade” station, adding a dash of magic to its allure.
Just a stone’s throw from Goathland, the Mallyan Spout waterfall awaits, a natural wonder offering a serene setting for a leisurely walk or a moment of contemplation. Beyond that, the North York Moors provide a vast playground for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploration.
Goathland is a village that captures the imagination and leaves an indelible mark on the heart.
In Matthew 18:21-35 the focus is on forgiveness, mercy, and the importance of compassion in interpersonal relationships.
The disciple Peter approaches Jesus with a question: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Peter’s question reflects the common rabbinic teaching of the time, which suggested forgiving someone up to three times. Peter, perhaps seeking to show great magnanimity, suggests forgiving up to seven times, thinking he is being generous.
Jesus responds with a profound lesson on forgiveness, saying, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” This statement is not meant to be taken literally, but rather emphasises limitless forgiveness. Jesus is teaching that forgiveness shouldn’t be constrained by a specific number but should be extended generously and without bounds.
To illustrate this point further, Jesus tells a parable about a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. In this parable, the king represents God, and the servants symbolise humanity. One servant owes the king an enormous debt, an amount so vast that he could never hope to repay it. The servant pleads for mercy and time to repay the debt. Astonishingly, the king, moved by compassion, forgives the entire debt, cancelling it completely.
However, the forgiven servant encounters another servant who owes him a relatively small sum of money. Instead of showing the same compassion he received, the forgiven servant seizes his fellow servant and demands payment. When the fellow servant begs for mercy and time to repay, the forgiven servant refuses and has him thrown into prison.
Upon hearing of this, the king is furious. He calls the forgiven servant back and chastises him for not showing the same mercy he had received. The king then has the unforgiving servant thrown into prison until he can repay the massive debt he owed.
The parable concludes with Jesus delivering a powerful message: “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” This message underscores the importance of forgiveness in the Christian faith. Just as God forgives our sins, Christians are called to extend forgiveness to others.
This passage is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, teaching believers to forgive as they have been forgiven by God and to approach forgiveness with a generous and compassionate heart.
Romans 13:8-14 addresses the concept of love, obedience to authority, and living in the light of Christ’s coming
The Apostle Paul imparts important teachings to the early Christin community in Rome. He begins with a powerful statement: “Owe no one anything except to love one another.” Here, Paul emphasizes the significance of love as the only debt Christians should have. Love, in the context of this passage, refers to the selfless, agape love that mirrors God’s love for humankind.
Paul then continues to emphasize the importance of fulfilling the commandments, particularly “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and other commandments: all summed up in the love for one’s neighbour as oneself. He emphasizes that love is the fulfilment of the law, emphasizing that if one loves their neighbour, they won’t harm or wrong them.
The passage also touches on the idea of obedience to authority. Paul encourages believers to submit to governing authorities, as God has established these authorities to maintain order and justice in society. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of respecting earthly authorities while prioritising obedience to God’s ultimate authority.
Paul then shifts the focus to the urgency of the times, suggesting that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent. He calls on believers to live as if they are in the light of Christ, casting off the works of darkness and putting on the armour of light. This means leading lives characterized by righteousness and holiness, free from sinful behaviour and debauchery.
He advises believers to walk properly, as in the daytime, avoiding revelry, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and quarrelling. Instead, they should “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and make no provision for the flesh, which implies that they should be spiritually vigilant and not give in to sinful desires.
This passage underscores the importance of love, both in interpersonal relationships and in fulfilling the commandments of God. It also emphasizes obedience to earthly authorities and the need to live a life of righteousness and holiness in anticipation of Christ’s return. It serves as a reminder to Christians of their responsibilities in the world and their hope in the future redemption through Jesus Christ.
This Sunday Devotional follows on from my previous one and details important Christian life lessons from Romans 12:9-21.
The passage emphasizes the importance of sincere and authentic love. Believers are encouraged to love others genuinely, without any pretence or hidden motives. This love should be expressed through actions and should extend to both fellow believers and even those who may be considered enemies.
Believers are called to detest what is evil by refusing to participate in or condone anything that goes against God’s standards of righteousness and goodness.
Christians are encouraged to be devoted to one another in genuine love. This involves showing honour and respect to fellow believers, being hospitable, and actively caring for one another’s needs.
We should bless and not retaliate, instead of seeking revenge or responding in kind to those who do evil, believers are urged to bless them. This involves responding to hostility or mistreatment with acts of kindness and praying for their well-being.
We are to live in harmony with others. The passage emphasizes the importance of living in peace and harmony. Believers are encouraged to be humble, avoiding pride and arrogance, and seeking unity.
Supremely, we are challenged to overcome evil with good. Instead of being overwhelmed by evil, we are instructed to overcome evil with good. This means responding to evil deeds or intentions with acts of goodness, seeking to bring about positive change and transformation.
Overall, Romans 12:9-21 teaches the importance of living a life characterized by genuine love, rejecting evil, and actively pursuing peace and unity with others.
Romans 12:1-8 (click the link to read) is a profound and transformative passage that offers invaluable guidance for Christian living. In these verses, the Apostle Paul addresses the believers in Rome, urging them to embrace a life of devotion, transformation, humility, unity, and service to the community of believers – but here is a message for all of us.
The passage begins with an earnest plea: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” Here, Paul implores believers to dedicate themselves entirely to God, not as lifeless offerings, but as living sacrifices. This act of devotion is portrayed as a response to God’s abundant mercy, representing a reasonable and spiritual form of worship.
Paul then instructs us not to be conformed to the patterns of the world, but to undergo a profound transformation by renewing our minds. This transformation is an integral aspect of Christian life, emphasizing the necessity of breaking free from the negative influences of the secular world and embracing God’s will and wisdom. It serves as a call to seek a deeper understanding of God’s purpose and to align our lives accordingly; accepting, including, and loving everyone with the very love of God.
Verse 3 underscores the importance of humility. Paul encourages us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought, but to exercise sound judgment. This message promotes a posture of humility, acknowledging that all believers possess distinct gifts and roles within the body of Christ. By recognizing our individual limitations and strengths, we foster an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.
Verses 4-5 employ the metaphor of the body to illustrate the interconnectedness of believers. Just as a human body comprises many parts, each with its unique function, so does the Christian church. Each member possesses a distinctive role and spiritual gift, all indispensable for the proper functioning of the body. This vivid imagery underscores the need for unity within the Christian church community, where no member holds greater or lesser importance than another. The body metaphor highlights the interdependence of believers and encourages cooperation and support among them.
Paul continues by enumerating various spiritual gifts in verses 6-8, including prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy. These gifts are not granted for personal gain, but for the edification and strengthening of the body of Christ. Believers are encouraged to exercise their gifts faithfully and generously, recognizing that they are instruments through which God’s grace and love flow into the community.
These verses stand as a foundational and comprehensive passage outlining essential principles for Christian living. They call for wholehearted devotion to God, transformation through the renewal of the mind, humility in recognizing one’s role, unity within the Christian church community, and the responsible utilization of spiritual gifts. This passage serves as a guide for believers, promoting a life that not only glorifies God, but one that strengthens and enriches the Christian community, ultimately fulfilling the broader mission of the church in the world.
In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant surge in interest and participation in recreational running. Amidst this running boom, a unique and inclusive event called parkrun has gained immense popularity.
Spanning more than twenty countries, parkrun has transformed the way people engage with running, empowering individuals from all walks of life to experience the joy of running in community parks every weekend.
At its core, parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5k run organized by volunteers in local parks. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome, whether they’re seasoned runners, joggers, walkers, or even strollers with babies. The idea behind parkrun is to create a friendly and supportive environment that encourages physical activity and promotes well-being.
What started as a humble gathering of thirteen runners in Bushy Park, Teddington, UK, in October 2004 has transformed into a global phenomenon. Today, parkrun boasts over 2,000 registered events across 23 countries, with more than six million registered participants. It’s become a powerful catalyst in promoting physical fitness, social inclusivity, and community engagement around the world.
One of the key strengths of parkrun lies in its ability to bring people together. The events are designed to be accessible and welcoming to everyone, regardless of age, gender, socio-economic background, or fitness level. This inclusivity is further exemplified by the volunteer-driven nature of parkrun, as local communities come together to manage and organize each event. These dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in creating a warm and supportive atmosphere for participants, fostering a sense of belonging.
The impact of parkrun extends well beyond the physical exercise itself. Participants often report improved mental health, increased self-confidence, and enhanced social connections because of their involvement. The supportive environment of parkrun encourages many individuals who might have hesitated to participate in organized running events. parkrun provides a platform for personal achievements and mutual encouragement.
Regular participation in parkrun offers numerous health benefits. Engaging in physical activity such as running has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved cardiovascular health, strengthened bones, enhanced mental well-being, and a boosted immune system. parkrun enables individuals to integrate regular exercise into their weekly routine, contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
parkrun has grown into a global movement, uniting individuals through a shared passion for running, community, and well-being. It offers a unique space for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to come together, celebrate physical activity, and support each other on their fitness journeys.
The success and impact of parkrun lie in its remarkable ability to foster inclusivity, volunteerism, and a sense of belonging. As this global phenomenon continues to grow, it is certain to inspire and encourage even more people to lace up their running shoes and experience the true joy of parkrun.
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