From the Rectory – May 2020

by Rev’d Jenni Lane

As I sit at my desk watching the birds out of my study window, trying to retain a sense of humour and a sense of self, I reflect on the strangeness of the current situation we live in. Time has slowed. Even the 20 seconds I take to wash my hands lasts an eternity… But I found the following reflection: 20 seconds of soap and water give me a chance to slow down and be present with God; a moment in which to stand still and breathe, to turn on the tap and listen to the sound of the water. I begin:

‘Our Father, who art in heaven …’ My hands do so much, and I take them for granted. Thank you, God, for my hands.

‘Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ The soap envelops my skin. It’s a pleasant sensation. How full life is of these small sensations – little, unnoticed blessings.

‘Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ My mind unclenches a little. I face my wrong-doings and grievances squarely. ‘Forgive us…’ – ‘Forgive me… as I forgive…’ They break apart a little. We are doing our best with our days, with our lives. Beloved children of God, all of us.

‘For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.’ I rinse off the soap. 20 seconds have cleaned my hands, my mind and my heart.

Rev’d Jenni Lane can be contacted at the Rectory on 01609 631 122