Dear Benedict
After a few days walking I’m planning to catch up with some writing beginning with writing to you about your Rule. I’ve been reading what to sing at Lauds, first thing in the morning.
I love to sing in the morning. Not a great singer as a child, I got over my sense of musical unease by singing more. When I worked in London, forty years or so ago, I’d sing as I walked from the station or the bus stop. It can get you some funny looks but where else are you supposed to sing? I love to sing anywhere, outdoors or in, alone or with others. There’s no exercise quite like singing: body, mind and spirit in one activity.
These days, as I walk I also sing. Often it’s something I make up as I go along, a sort of commentary on the walk, the sights and sounds, the weather, how I feel. Anything can be in a walk song! I sometimes think how the psalms were made up, perhaps like this on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and then passed around the group until everyone got the hang of it. Here’s one of my morning songs that I use in the worship of the Mobile Chapel of St Scholastica (aka Bambi!)
This is the day, a welcome day,
as welcome as the sun.
Today we'll live together here
and get our whole work done.
Today we’ll care for weak and strong
That all may grow in love,
We'll serve each other, serving God
Creator, Spirit, Son.
This is the day a welcome day,
as welcome as the rain.
As we embrace the challenges
we know we're loved again;
We know we can build justice here,
and learn to live in peace
We'll serve each other, serving God
the kindom here will reign.
This is the day, a welcome day
whether in rain or sun,
every day we can be kind
and laugh and have good fun;
Today we set out on a road
together hand in hand
Companions each and every one
till travelling days are done.
copyright Janet Lees Tune: Kingsfold or Forest Green (DCM)
(PS I use the word 'kindom' on purpose: a gender neutral word)
It’s great to sing if you can and to acknowledge God in our Good Morning activities, like the psalmists.
From a remembered psalm: Let every creature sing and praise God.
I’m singing to you!
From a Friend of Scholastica and a Member of the Lay Community of St Benedict.