Many times in the gospels we see Jesus’ disciples struggling to keep up or getting things the wrong way round. This might be somewhat encouraging for anyone trying to follow Jesus today – a welcomed reminder that following Jesus isn’t always as easy as you might think. In Jesus we meet a new kind of person, someoneRead more
Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all (Emily Dickinson) Whenever I preside over a funeral or memorial, joining with and serving people in grief, there’s often talk about the last experience shared with the loved one being mourned. WeRead more
The LORD is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27.1) At about age five I saw a film that shook me to my core. Harry and the Hendersons was a story about a familyRead more
Every year the long awaited Christmas season arrives and, try as I might to let it linger, it does seem to dissipate rather quickly leaving something of a dull ache behind. Perhaps this feeling is telling of how we approach Christmas in the first place, as it can so often end up buried in hurryRead more
My earliest memory is of travelling on a plane. Airline regulations have changed since I was a child but back then, rather than buckling children up the entire flight, adults would simply put a blanket on the floor and lay small children under their feet to sleep. One would hope, as anyone who’s traveled with childrenRead more
Lord let the sun Be as bright As the amber Street light that I might trust in The morning What I know by The evening.
The grey kirk, that old yard of reformation Lies still but for a gull’s dawn supplication As no more rises from our white bricked up stack But my window breath and a hope to call back Where the Firth wind blows off the green kingly seat Down into kind kirk halls where song and prayerRead more
Written in rose hue sky, Plotted on gold flecked path The sum of a morning’s math, Adds to truth, subtracting the lie. Skeleton trees on blue Waving de-fleshed in place Count on the breath of the grace And the mercy today made new. Faithful are You we know Who gave this scene itsRead more
Rail, water, winter They all move along Through our storied hinter Land like a carol song Out a holy people’d hall On December’s bitter breath Over frosty steeples tall To remembered yards of death. For every coming has it’s going Every Advent has it’s end When rivers quit their icy slowing And steaming enginesRead more
All I want’s a window Where stellars in the fog Dogfight with the finches As I lay here and log The reasons I adore you A sparrow made to sing Wrapped in grey and pale blue And wearing my gift ring.