As Spring bursts into new life around us in the northern hemisphere we may become very aware of the increased activity of birds and mammals and the rapid growth of plants. Gardeners amongst us may well also become busy in response.

It’s easy to think that the natural world indicates the virtue of busyness and activity. We live in a culture where doing is prized and where we may well have learnt that we have to strive to thrive.

Jesus saw things differently:

“And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the gentiles who seek all these things, and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6: 28-33

It’s hard to read this if we are dependent on long days or nights of hard work to put food on the table and clothes on our backs, but Jesus reminds us not to lose sight and awareness of the bigger picture of God’s kingdom.

· Are you able to find a moment in your day to simply wonder or ponder?

· What will help you simply be in the moment?

This poem by singer/songwriter and poet Aaron Shah speaks to this.

The Invitation

We live in a world
where having time is seen as a luxury
where busyness is both
a rut to fall into
and a crown to wear upon our heads

yet the invitation remains unbroken
love’s promise remains unfurled
wisdom’s voice continues to whisper

breathe in

breathe out

behold

be still

From Being Still – A Quiet Revolution by Aaron Shah