“We are learners; we are teachers; we are pilgrims on the way.
We are seekers; we are givers; we are vessels made of clay.
By our gentle, loving actions, we would show that Christ is light.
IN a humble, listening Spirit, we would live to God’s delight.”
Hymn “As a Fire is Meant for Burning” by Ruth Duck
It’s been a month since we celebrated Easter Sunday. We’re no longer munching on Easter candy and the images of bunny rabbits and baby chicks hatching out of eggs are long gone Although it no longer looks it, we are still in the midst of the season of Easter. As the church, we celebrate Christ’s resurrection and the gift of new life for 50 days! Providing us with an opportunity to also consider the ways in which we continue to grow each and every day. Which is focus for today. Personal growth. It’s not always an easy thing to think about, but take a moment. Pause and be open to considering the ways in which around and open yourself to the ways in which new life is springing forth within you and around you. Because you are growing. We are all growing, even if we can’t always see it. Yesterday afternoon as we were pulling into the driveway my husband commented “the daffodils are out!.” I looked to my left and was surprised to by their sudden appearance. After supper, we went out for a few minutes of fresh air and our son began to eat some of the chives that are growing. Once again, I was surprised by the fact that some were ready to eat! I commented that it felt like they had grown over night. It was as if they had just suddenly appeared before us. And the same is true with us. As I said, we don’t always see the ways in which we are growing, but we are. Much like the daffodils and chives, growth happens slowly sometimes, but then can just as quickly take us by surprise. Every time we hear someone else’s story, we grow. Every time we try something new even when we are afraid, we grow. Every time we open ourselves up to reading a new book or asking more questions of ourselves, we grow. Every time we read scripture or turn to God in prayer, we grow. It seems simple enough, yet it’s not always easy. But this is the beauty of our Easter faith. That new life is ours, through Christ. That in Christ, we are invited to learn and grow together as we travel the road of life. And the hymn I shared with you a moment ago speaks to this. Ruth Duck calls us “ learners. . . .pilgrims. . .and seekers,” called together through Christ. Which means that together, we can take what we learn and play our part in bringing light and love to the world in Christ’s name. Yet growth isn’t always easy. The chives and daffodils don’t have an easy time, waiting for cold weather to become (and stay) warm. Yet they persevere and grow in the warmth of the sun. And the same is true for us. Not only do we have the support of one another, we also have Christ who walks with us on the Way. And so, I encourage you to keep your hearts open to what Christ is offering to you. Continue to be open to learning from one another, while also supporting one another. And each time you see a newly blossomed flower, may you see Christ and know that you are never alone. For you are loved. You are forgiven. You are welcomed and new life is yours!
Devotional was written by Rev. Tara Ann Gourson, May 2021.
“As a Fire is Meant for Burning” was written by Ruth Duck, copyright 1983.
Bideford Pastoral Charge 