Reflect

Today is technically a 'rest' day in Lent.

For those fulfilling #40acts of generosity it is a good day to reflect or catch up, or make up your own generosity acts.

First some reflection for me.

Ok, I always look rough in the morning... Sorry not that sort of reflection.

Yesterday was a 'no screen, turn it off' day.

There was something of the revision about it: remember that day early in Lent when we had to really listen and engage with the people we met? What about the one where we had to really appreciate others? And then, of course, there was this week when we intentionally spoke to strangers. These were all wrapped up in yesterday. I ended up having some lovely conversations with people I had not met before. I also had some beautiful conversation with one of my sons and an ongoing one with my wife, Catherine. 

I felt there was a connection with people yesterday because I didn't even have my phone with me and so couldn't look at it and I could be totally present for them. Maybe it's all sinking in now.

Jesus never had a phone, or a tablet, or a PC, but he did spend time with people at a previously unknown depth - he spoke to people about their lives and set them out in a new way.

Maybe the 'no screen' thing should happen more often... 

(The fact you're reading this is ironic though don't you think?)

Hey, Mr Postman!

I keep telling myself I will write letters - beautifully scripted messages of ink on quality paper to people who have meant much to me over the years, people who we send Christmas cards to but with whom that is our only contact. People that the most I see of is a thumbnail image and a status update. Today I have been prompted from my intention into action.

To write letters.

Not only to those who I have known and loved but also to those I do not know, the faceless people of my life, those that live three and four doors away, three or four streets away, or three or four cities away. People with whom I will have no other contact but may need to know that they are loved that they are more than an online inbox.

I imagine that after an initial flurry of activity this may be one of those things that gradually peters off - but if just a handful of people are encouraged it will be worth it.

I think this may be possibly the most challenging task yet - and I will never know the outcome.

Thanks #40acts for keeping the pressure on.