Unwrapping

I am perhaps prompted by our current lock-down situation since March 2020 and our reactions to a different way to communicate. Digital technology brings family and friends into our living space. Many are fascinated with the wonder of it all and maybe miss the words that are heard and said. We keep our conversations at a basic level, treading carefully as we go.

There are things we know about ourselves and yet, there is much more inside to be opened. Others will see things that we do not see – and between us we can often imagine things that are not there.

Awareness of who we are and how we relate to others is central to our growing into who we are created to be. Pip Wilson talks about us being a valuable and precious gift and the worst thing we can do, is to remain unwrapped.

To begin to unwrap who we are within our community is a risky business. We feel vulnerable and worry that we will not be accepted. If a flower never opens, it denies its own purpose and that of the creator – such beauty withheld...

A seed in fertile ground, will germinate and break into the daylight. It pushes its roots deep into the soil while drawing energy from the sun, a process of growing that we can identify with. 

We are born out of relationship and into relationships. Though we might find solitude a safe place, our growing is in relation to others. So, how does this all work as a process. Pip describes this well as Levels One to Five and is sketched here through his Blob characters.

Level One – Cliché

We pass the time of day in cliché –

“Alright” – “Nice weather” we would say to most people, not looking for or expecting an answer. Not something we would start with when relating to close friends, or those we would like to know better.

Level Two – Facts

We tend to communicate with facts only.

Reciting a story of the things we have done or seen. 

Which can be interesting at first, but you get the feeling it has been rehearsed.

Level Three – Opinions

This is where we begin to unwrap a little, we share opinions, our thoughts on situations.

Letting go of little bit of Me. Carefully though, as others might not agree.

Level Four – Feelings

Now for some real communication – unwrapping how we feel.

When we share honestly how we are feeling, it is accepted for what it is and without judgement. “This is Me” my emotional stuff. Risk taking yes but so fulfilling.

People begin to see the real you, and you do too. You are beginning to see how life can be.

Level Five – Total Openness

This is the goal, not often reached.

To be totally open, sharing emotions (just how it is), with honesty and trust – becoming fully unwrapped and fully alive. 

Finding a level five is like a treasure, we want to hold on to it. Though not in a possessive way, for love is about setting the other free to be who they are too.

Thoughts that come to mind from Scripture:

from John 15:
   Remain in me, as I also remain in you.
   No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.
   As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.
   Now remain in my love.
   Love each other as I have loved you.
   I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father - 
   I have made known to you.

Philippians 2: 5
  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

Matthew 22: 37-40
  Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and 
  with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. 
  And the second is like it: "Love your neighbour as yourself." 
  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

THE KEY

A tin round and deep, three-quarters full of buttons and curious things. It was not what I found that I was looking for - but still, it made me think. I found a key, small and tarnished plain and simple and of quite some age. However, this was a key of some importance, for without it, access would be prohibited.

My immediate thought was to bin it! For where would I find the lock, and would it be closed or open? In practical terms it’s most unlikely I will ever come across its partner, and then if I did and it were locked some destructive method would need to be found.

In our journey through life we pick up just about everything. We have an urge to pick up, inspect and collect all manner of things. Simple things like stones; bigger stones we just want to turn-over to see what's hiding underneath. We have a need to touch and feel things, to explore and learn, like a sponge we soak-up much more than we know.

But it's not just about possessions and a collection of shiny things, we pick up words and phrases to use again and again. There are mannerisms and attitudes, moods and parts we will play out on this enormous stage.

The more we collect the heavier the load, then we never quite know which part is the real me!  Life increases tenfold or more, if we are discerning as to what we pick up and what we keep. Understand the value of awareness, notice and respond to the things around you. To only walk in a way that brings life, to recognise and lay down that which we are carrying - that we know will only hinder. Then your road will be lighter, and your steps will have a spring. Listen to the Voice, it is the essential key.

Pearl

Mike English. New Hampshire.

There's a voice that is sweet and it's carried on the breeze,

and it whispers to me as it flows through the trees,

and it tells me of love that is greater than the world, a precious pearl.

All men have I am told in the bottom of their soul,

an empty room filled with Darkness that is very very cold,

and a lock that is steadfast and resists all man-made keys,

but was opened by the blood that our lord shed on Calvary.

Well he's waiting to come and fill that empty void within,

to give you healing and joy and release you from your sin,

well it's yours to make the choice and if you listen to that voice,

He has Conquered the world and he offers you life, a precious pearl.

Lenten Footsteps

A Journey towards life:

This is an invitation to walk with Christ through the eyes of many witnesses, the people spoken about in the bible. What was it that they saw or felt about what was happening? What was their experience of God's love, their acceptance and forgiveness.

These are short readings, concluding with a prayer of encouragement. Lent has a total of 47 days if we take Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.

Many of these readings are about forgiveness, as when we recognise the extent of our forgiveness, we are transformed. Christ's words are life giving and when we see this in others, we realise it is possible in us.

The preparation of these notes has brought me great joy and learning and I pray that your footsteps through this period of Lent, will enable and increase your faith and empower you to witness to others. Remember, each footstep leaves a mark.

Link to readings. HERE

ADVENT CALENDAR

It's a waiting game for sleepy Shepherds, Angels and Wise Men; all are travelling to Bethlehem. Some are already there, some are searching, others are told to, “Go and see.”

What’s all the fuss about?

https://innershell01.wixsite.com/advent

You probably know the story so far but how much more is there for you to discover. 

What part are you called to play? 

The calendar is called, “Conversations with Dad.”

So, journey with us to Bethlehem through this advent calendar. David and his Dad uncover some interesting questions and thoughts. However, conversations are two way and we would love to hear your thoughts too. 

Let’s hurry towards Christmas in a positive way.

You’re invited to try this digital alternative at the site marked above

Time to Think

Many years ago now, I was given a wristwatch, it was a gift from a friend. My friend had owned the watch several years and then acquired a new one. I had to admit at that time, my own watch was looking tired. I said thank you, and each year visited our local jeweller to have a battery fitted. It’s a fine watch and very comfortable on my wrist.

Recently I was on an errand for an old gentleman, which required a visit to the jewellery shop. When all was done, I spoke to the watchmaker. “Oh by the way” I said, “I seem to have difficulty in changing day and date on my watch, when at the end of the month it doesn't carry on correctly.” The watchmaker looked at me and said, “Well it's quite simple really, pull out the winder halfway, turn clockwise to change the day and anticlockwise to change the date.” Was it really that simple? I didn’t even know there was a half-way point. I was so convinced that it was necessary to wind the pointer back and forth past the 12 O’clock marker, and as a result never bothered with the day date indicators.

If I had the watch from new, I would have received a set of instructions. If someone had told me sooner, I could have enjoyed the full functionality of the watch – perhaps I should have asked, rather than presume it was just a cumbersome process. Why did I not think, there must be an easier way, surely a designer would not create something that was awkward?

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that this story is true. Though as I reflect upon it, I can clearly see parallels in social, emotional and many other parts of my life's journey. Handbooks (instructions) are available, questions can be asked.

We should take time to focus in – so we can be more effective on the outside.

A Virtual Retreat

This post will enable you to access the Audio files.
The theme is Holiness & Path.
Relax and enjoy - and see where it leads you.

Audio files can be found here Soundcloud
Overview can be seen here: VR overview

A Personal Retreat

(Half day)

A time out to consider a theme at a deeper level. Allowing ourselves to become more aware of our soul and spirit within the context of our Christian faith.

Jesus himself often went away on his own to begin to know the will of His father.

Your retreat may well be on your own. You may be at home or have chosen to go away for the day (whatever works for you). You may have chosen to spend the day with others, sharing the experience and listening to how each person feels about the retreat.

The files may be listened to directly from Soundcloud, or you may download them. You will need access to a device that can play MP3 files. If this is a personal retreat, a tablet or even smartphone will suffice with head phones.

In a group, you will need audio output to speakers, and you will find it useful to print this document – one for each attendee.

It’s good to have a few things around you (though not too much that you are overly distracted).

Most important is a notepad, pencil and rubber to capture a thought.

A bible is not essential, but you may feel you would like one to hand.

Setting the scene: Some people like to create a space with a candle or icon. If this is you, you might like to prepare something such as a tea tray with a few items.

There are three points during the retreat time when you are asked for an activity. This is often a walk, which enables reflection (thoughts on what you have just heard). A physical activity is important, it helps the body move and invigorates our mind and soul. However, this will depend upon your mobility and your surroundings. Think of something that would work for you, a change from sitting, notice how you are responding to the theme, write down your thoughts and if you are with others today – share your thoughts and feelings if you can.

The length of the retreat is very much down to the individual (or group members). Each audio file is not long, and we suggest around forty minutes for each activity – though this is your time, use it well.

 

Just follow the itinerary and let it guide you through your retreat.

Your feedback to us is always welcome, questions and thoughts.

Please email: innershell01@gmail.com

Itinerary

Make yourself comfortable

Audio file one:

Holiness (introduction, music “Purify my heart” and teaching) time 23 mins

            Activity one – Walk / reflection

Audio file two:

Path (welcome back, music “The power of your love” and teaching) time 13 mins

            Activity two – walk / reflection

Audio file three:

The onward journey (welcome back, teaching and music “Draw me close to you”) time 10 mins

            Activity three – walk / reflection

Audio file four:

Close (welcome back, close and music “No longer I”) time 5 mins

Priests

My understanding of priesthood is not based on 12-months being ordained – but many years as a Christian and being involved in ministry to young people.

As Priests we are:

  Called to serve and to administer the sacraments. 

  To share the gospel in a relevant way to those we are called to.

  To give glory to God.

Thomas Merton said – 

“A tree gives glory to God by being a tree. For in being what God means it to be it is obeying God. It “consents,” so to speak, to God's creative love. It is expressing an idea which is in God and which is not distinct from the essence of God, and therefore a tree imitates God by being a tree”

We must become what God created us to be, if we are to give glory to God. 

Thomas Merton also says – 

“Our vocation is not simply to be, but to work together with God in the creation of our own life, our own identity, our own destiny. To work out our identity in God.” 

Discovering our purpose (identity) and living it out, is our life's journey. It will take a lifetime, no more no less. We thank God for our individuality, our unique self, that together as many parts we are one.

Thomas Merton writes –

“We have the choice of two identities: the external mask which seems to be real … and the hidden, inner person who seems to us to be nothing, but who can give himself eternally to the truth in whom he subsists.”

“There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace, my happiness depends, to discover myself in discovering God. If I find Him I will find myself and if I find my true self I will find Him.” 

So, there can be no simple answer as to what it is to be a priest. We are all different and will be called into different areas to minister. To children, the youth, adolescents, young families, the sick and the dying. To business, to teaching; there is not an area of life that is not in need of the light of Christ. 

We all struggle with self-belief. I am not good enough, worthy enough, knowledgeable or strong enough to be a priest. 

In kingdom terms that certainly would meet the criteria.

It is through brokenness that we serve. 

Only God is good.

Thomas Merton - 

“The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image.” 

Within our own image dwells our values and beliefs

A Henri Nouwen quote – 

One of the main tasks of theology is to find words that do not divide but unite, that do not create conflict but unity, that do not hurt but heal.

My call has always been to youth, I have been blessed to have a soulmate that shares the same vision and ministry. Our call is to walk alongside the youth, to offer different ways of thinking – in a language that is familiar to them.

That they may discover for themselves the wonders that God has in store for them. We do not want to presume that we know their Map – though the inward-looking pilgrim tends to make better progress.

It’s about enabling young people to realise their potential through their natural gifting. Focusing on forgiveness and acceptance, healing and wholeness, kindness and gentleness, understanding and belief, truth and integrity.

As Priests we are:

  Called to serve and to administer the sacraments. 

  To share the gospel in a relevant way to those we are called to.

  To give glory to God.

  Oh, and did I mention – Preach the Gospel