You shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace;
the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into joy,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
This was the bible text I used at the beginning of day 16 of the End to End in 2019. From Isaiah 55, it was also the text for my talk a week ago, on Good Friday, for the Lay Community of St Benedict. If you would like to see that you can find it here (it’s about 30 minutes).
A walk of 117 days was indeed a joyous thing. A short walk any day is now essential for well being in so many ways. Today, as I struggled to get going, I decided to walk to Swallows Wood, one of my favourite small woodlands in Longdendale. I was so glad I did.
Swallows Wood is the perfect place for Forest Church as it is both forest and church (the above photos is actually from 2019). I love to go there, especially in Spring, when it resounds as a bluebell cathedral. I’m a bit early this year, desperate too, but they are just coming out. The wood isn’t yet the deep blue of the full on bluebells but they are beginning to change the whole place. The silver trill of a curlew called across the adjacent moorland. Wrens and Robins hopped about and a whole host of butterflies came and went, but no other people. It was perfect.
I am grateful for the hills and the woodlands on my doorstep. I struggle to imagine how to cope without this generous gift. There are dandelions in the pavement cracks and forget-me-not by the gate: even these are singing. Where ever you are, I pray for peace and joy today.
From the remembered gospel
The women rushed back, excited, joyful, shouting ‘We have seen the Lord!’
Tomb quitter, we are excited and joyful at your Easter liberation!
We ask you to bless the inside ones with joy:
those in flats and crowded spaces,
those who have chosen to stay in and help others,
those struggling with the daily get up.
May the clapping and singing trees be heard by everyone,
and may each tiny wildlife oasis,
however small, illuminate and motivate,
that all may be lead forth in peace and joy.
JAL: 17.04.2020 in Swallows Wood, Longdendale.