I wonder if you have noticed we have entered an Olympic year. When I turned on the radio on New Year’s Day, it was all people were talking about, their hopes and dreams, and their training regime to achieve them. The stadium and surrounding area is almost complete, and our Prime Minister says the whole thing, plus the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, will brighten up what might otherwise be a gloomy twelve months.
I think it was the explorer David Livingstone who said once, “I will go anywhere, as long as it is forward.” Another writer suggested, “The longest journey starts with a single step.” Often, that single step can be the most difficult. When I was feeling extremely unwell, the prescribed daily walk round the block, or between two benches at Splash Point was very hard and uninviting. My Mother is learning to walk again after spending so long in intensive care. She has now walked up a few stairs, which is an amazing achievement, despite the pain.
I think it was the explorer David Livingstone who said once, “I will go anywhere, as long as it is forward.” Another writer suggested, “The longest journey starts with a single step.” Often, that single step can be the most difficult. When I was feeling extremely unwell, the prescribed daily walk round the block, or between two benches at Splash Point was very hard and uninviting. My Mother is learning to walk again after spending so long in intensive care. She has now walked up a few stairs, which is an amazing achievement, despite the pain.
Prayers and Reflections
It is good in life to have some goals and targets for the future, whether it is to walk up one more stair tomorrow, or a little further next week, or do something different to stimulate your brain a bit more, or help that lonely person across the road, or make plans to have a different attitude about something. The Bible tells us we are all to press on towards the goal, to journey every day. The goal spiritually is not more stairs or a gold medal at an Olympic games; it is to be with Jesus, who has won for us the victory prize of life eternal.
I like this prayer written by Rev Ermal Kirby, who has recently finished as one of the Chairs of the London Methodist District and is now working in South Africa.
I like this prayer written by Rev Ermal Kirby, who has recently finished as one of the Chairs of the London Methodist District and is now working in South Africa.
“Creator God, inspire us with holy ambition that we may seek the prize that you set before us. Saviour Christ, be our pace setter and our coach that we might run with perseverance and hope. Life giving Spirit, refresh us and renew us, that we might finish our course with joy. Amen.”
Rev. Ian Pruden