Window Dressing

Herefordshire Cottage window

This is just one example of a quaint timber-framed cottage in Hereford. The old leaded window is surrounded with English roses, making a beautiful picture of peace and tranquility. But wait, you can’t see through the window and in my curiosity I can’t help wondering what it’s like inside. Does the interior match up to the promise of the exterior or is it just ‘window dressing’ I wonder?

How is it for us? Do others see the ‘real me’ or do we put up a front to prevent them seeing what we may think of as weak or shameful? This keeps people at a distance, so what about God? Do we hide part of ourselves from Him? If we are real with Father, He is real with us. One small move from us and He comes running to heal our pain and shame and set us free to be ourselves. We may be in for some surprises?

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8

A Taste of Heaven

Magnolias at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

The last time I saw the magnolias in full bloom at Lanhydrock, was on a crisp March morning. The ground was strewn with large white, cream and delicate pink petals and visitors were tiptoeing around and whispering, as if they were in a cathedral and God was present. But of course He was - and is!

We have a home in heaven, but God is also with us now. The assurance of His presence, surrounded by His love, is life-changing. Peace reigns.


”the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21

The Heart Whisper

Grasses in Buckfast Abbey gardens, Devon

It was difficult to photograph these grasses as they were quivering in the breeze. In fact if you really listened you could just hear them rustling, like a song in the wind.

God is continually communicating with us in whatever way is appropriate for us as individuals. If only we would stop and still ourselves expectantly, we may well hear His heart whisper, His love song, blessed Heart to human heart.

“Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening." 1Samuel 3:9

Intimacy

The Garden House, Yelverton, Devon

I have a love for gardens, especially walled gardens, like this one. As I step into the enclosure I'm immediately aware of a closeness and an intimacy. And as I slow down and take in the heady perfume of the myrtle blossom and the riot of colour in the borders, the worldly distractions start to fall away and peace descends.

We can of course find space anywhere to be with Jesus in secret, where the longing within connects with His longing for us. It’s like coming home.

“Lord, I’m coming” Psalm 27:8

The Way Forward

Glendurgan Maze, near Falmouth, Cornwall

This laurel maze is in the garden at Glendurgan, a subtropical valley garden that slopes down to the beautiful Helford estuary. As a boy, mazes fascinated me and our grandchildren are just the same. They rush round calling to one another, except the youngest tends to get lost and starts to cry.

There are times in our lives when we get stuck or lost, feeling scared and not knowing which way to turn. But as we look to Father, He reveals the way forward, one step at a time, keeping us on the right path. It’s so comforting to know that He has already gone ahead to prepare the way.

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105