The Tribune

By Rev Angela C Bosfield

Palacious

There are weekends that are tucked away in memory as times of meaningful meditation and spiritual adventure.

Anglicans have renewal weekends called Cursillo, Discovery and Alpha, which offer a time to draw apart with the Lord to be blessed by the sharing of others and the quiet presence of God.

Music is nourishment to the soul and the weekends overflow with opportunities to sing praises to God. I do recommend that retreats and weekends away be included in your plans for the rest of this year. The theme of the transformed caterpillar for some of these weekends, encourages all who attend to allow the Holy Spirit to bring out the butterfly in them.

There is an upcoming Roman Catholic Koinonia renewal weekend, which uses beautiful colours to help capture the message of the grain of wheat that must die in order to truly live.

On such a weekend, there is no question that the Lord God Almighty is preparing us for something.

We are all this grain, and self-seeking has to die. In an ecumenical setting, our oneness in Christ is accentuated by the music and the singing, the spirit of the communal gatherings, group prayers, shared tears, formal talks and informal discussions. It may be good for more churches to plan joint ventures in the future.

What is it that you may need to offer to God at this time? Where do you need a rebirth? As I speak to individuals, I find that a number of people are wrapped in a cocoon waiting for encouragement to emerge as the butterfly to do whatever God desires. There are sleeping authors, poets, hymn and song writers who have yet to wake to their creative genius. The Commonwealth Writers work as a group to bring out the artistic ability in children and adults.

To make the self-disclosing move to become a self-published author was not in my previous plans. Suggestions had been made and hints given, but I would decline even the thought. Then the time came when I could resist no longer. These articles have become several books.

What about you? If you are intimidated by the thought of your own limitations, let me remind you that no task is too challenging if God desires to equip you, and that inexperience is no excuse. Even the great Shakespeare grew over the years and had to change his style as he matured.

In literature classes, students trace each change displayed by some of the best-known writers of previous times. It is acceptable even to contradict one’s conclusion when superior knowledge had been acquired.

What do you have to lose? In a small community, reputation for one thing! To make a national spectacle of yourself may be no small thing to you but who are you to decline God’s command? It may take a few years, but the grain has to die, and the plant must begin to sprout. Allow yourself during this time of Lent to consider whether you are on the brink of yet another level of growth. Why not say, “Lord, have your way”? If you ask to be used, you will be. If you ask to be bolder, you will be.

What kind of harvest may result? Give your weekends and weekdays and then to wait and see.