Self isolating? Social distancing? Everything cancelled and an empty diary ahead?

Words we were not familiar with just days ago. How many of us are or will soon be - whether we want to or not. He and I, we returned from a pilgrimage in Turkey yesterday, taking two flights and walking through three airports. We’re self-isolating, for fear of conveying unwanted bugs to others.

Suddenly, we have time. Chunks of time in a way that isn’t normal. I imagine you may well have unexpected time, too.

And aren’t we all thinking: what a privilege and a blessing.

Well actually - no, if I’m honestI It was far more what someone posted on social media yesterday - I didn’t realise I would have to give up quite so much for Lent this year……

My first thought was, I won’t get to see the American grandsons and my daughter, in a couple of weeks. But then I thought, how wonderful that I can still see them via FaceTime or WhatsApp.

Now that I’m getting gradually accustomed to this new way of being, I’m wondering what we might do to make the most of these empty days ahead. How each of us to could use them in ways that might help deepen our relationship with the Lord.

So each week for the next few weeks, while many of us are isolated, time-rich for a change, I’m going to suggest some ways to make the most of the spare time. Different things to try.

Ways to Re:Fresh Re:New Re:Treat as the tag line said for The Vine at Mays Farm, the retreat house I used to run. Here’s the first one. It’s very very simple.

A 30 second retreat

Stop. Breathe. Thank God for two things... (Phil 4:6)

Did you do it as you read it?

It seems such a small amount of time – can it really make such a difference?

So I stop…….

Take a deep breath…….

And give God thanks for two things ……..

YES! It does make a difference and I am glad that I did it. But it also felt a little paltry. Just 30 seconds, God, that’s all I can spare right now.

Maybe it felt like that for you - almost rudely short. But then I thought about one of my granddaughters, when she was very very small, running up to me, throwing her arms around me (or more precisely, my legs) giving me a hug and running off again.

Precious. Brief. Heartfelt.

Something I loved and which meant so much to me. And to the Heart of the Father - a quick looking to Him, a moment of love and gratitude to Him.

It touches the heart of the loved one so very deeply.

You may not be able to go out. You may be wandering around your house wondering what to do next.

But you can stop, anywhere, and give God thanks for 30 seconds. Maybe every time you boil the kettle. Every time you climb the stairs or look out of the window. When you pass the kitchen door …. something you do a lot, do regularly. Train yourself to stop, take a deep breath and give God thanks for two things.

Have you done it now? Try it and see what happens.

And then let me know what you think. Was it helpful? How did it feel? Who else might you suggest it to?