Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy one,
Give thanks because He's given,
Jesus Christ His Son.
And now,
Let the weak say I am strong.
Let the poor say I am rich.
Because of what,
The Lord has done for us.
Give thanks.
Henry Smith *© Copyright 1978 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
So says the chorus that once was quite a familiar and frequent part of our church hymnody. I can't honestly remember the last time I sang it in a service, but these were the words God brought to mind as I make my way home from a visit to Bristol to catch up with a college friend from my Redcliffe days.
I am heading homewards with a grateful heart for the friendship we share. We both started at college together 20 years ago this year, and despite not being able to meet up all that frequently due to the busyness of both our lives, our friendship is one of those where we can meet up and when we do it's as if we saw each other yesterday. What a blessing such friendships are!
This catch-up has been part of my intentional sabbatical plan to meet up with folk who have been a part of my journey and have been instrumental in my journey to where I am now. So far I've met with this college friend, a school friend (our friendship has lasted 40 years so far and counting!), a couple from Bible study/friendship group we were a part of, and some of my prayer support partners from my initial ministry formation training.
These times of meeting up have been truly rich experiences as we've spent time together. And it's been a joy to talk about my sabbatical experiences so far as well as life in general, and to intentionally thank them for their friendship and how I have been blessed by knowing them. I don't think I have often taken time to do this, but it's been important for me to do so as, because I am a stronger and richer person because of them and the friendship we share.
It was sunny in Birmingham when I left, but the weather in Bristol was rather different so we made our way through the rain to the cathedral for a wander and to grab some lunch. As we entered there was a little shop to one side and my eye was drawn to a 'pilgrim passport'. I picked it up and flicked through the pages and was immediately struck by some of the quotes at the bottom of the pages waiting for stickers or stamps from the various cathedrals around the UK.
I decided to get one so I could consider the quotes at more length. Perhaps particularly because that last phrase 'just go' has great resonance for me in my journey with God, but also so I'll have a place to keep a record of the cathedrals I'll visit in times to come. I began the collection today with a sticker from Bristol Cathedral. I think making a collection of stamps in my Pilgrim Credenziale on my walk has started something!!
In taking the above photos I've just noticed that the introduction to the passport says this:
"Many of us see life as a journey enriched by special people and special places."
How apt to find this on a day when I've met with just such a special person that should continue to remind me of these other special times I've enjoyed recently. And so, I will continue on my way home giving thanks because of what the Lord has done for me in providing me such wonderful people to journey with!
