Rest not resolutions

Taking time to watch the world go by

Do you ever stop to think about the benches in your neighbourhood?

If you are a walker like me, you may sometimes be grateful for a well-placed bench. Somewhere to stop and eat lunch while admiring the view. Or perhaps you may wonder why a particular bench is positioned somewhere that seems an unlikely resting place - next to a main road with no view, for example.

Mostly, though, we tend not to notice them, even though they are ubiquitous.

This morning, the thought of benches caused me to ponder the metaphorical benches in our lives. Those moments when we could stop and rest, giving ourselves space to breathe and simply be. How often do we fail to recognise these gifts in our day, or choose to ignore them as we hurry on to the next thing we believe we should do?

This year I want to spend more time sitting on benches - both physical and metaphorical. I am starting 2024 at a deliberately slower pace. My normal mode of operation is full speed ahead, rarely pausing for breath, delighting in ticking the ever-growing demands of my to-do list.

Recently, though, I’ve realised I am living life far too reactively and there is little room for planning, dreaming and, to be honest, simply enjoying life. I came across these words of wisdom - probably on Lectio 365, the Bible and prayer app provided by the 24-7 prayer team:

‘Because we do not rest, we lose our way. We miss the compass points that would show us where to go. We bypass the nourishment that would give us succour. We miss the quiet that would give us reason. We miss the joy and love born from effortless delight’.

So this year, I not only want to notice the benches in my life, I want to take full advantage of them. I want to sit and watch the world around me. I want to spend time thinking, dreaming and making plans. I want to embrace those moments of unexpected calm instead of rushing through the day. I want to experience the joy and love that comes from effortless delight.

Will you join me?

A poem for the new year

Some time ago I wrote this poem at new year while taking some time out from the busyness of life. I was reminded of it today as I sat with my early morning coffee and contemplated the need for more bench moments in my life.

Given how wet and windy the weather has been this new year it seems timely to share it. I hope it will bring a little hope into your day.

Seats in the rain

Will you come and sit?
Take no heed of wind and rain
Nor the icy damp creeping through your clothes
From above and below.
We are adrift in the hostility of winter
Forlorn, unloved, devoid of purpose
Can we tempt you to rest a while?
Restore to us … identity.

How we long for the lightness of spring
For sun, for love, for renewed purpose
For those who will come and sit upon us
The breeze warm on their winter-dry skin
 We sigh in the heat of togetherness
As we tempt you to rest a while
Restore to us … community.

But enough of our desires. What of yours?
Weary of spirit, adrift in loneliness
Joy stolen by unwelcome solitude.
Will you not sit a while and let time heal
That which you mourn?
Take heart, dear friend, for spring will come again.
Restore to you … life.