OF ENGLAND
Prayer of the Month
Life is not hurrying
on to a receding future, nor hankering after
an imagined past. It is the turning
aside like Moses to the miracle
of the lit bush, to a brightness
that seemed as transitory as your youth
once, but is the eternity that awaits you.
R.S. Thomas, The Bright Field
This is not so much a prayer as part of a poem by the Welsh priest and poet R.S. Thomas and I came across this particular little bit of it because it is quoted at the beginning of a marvellous little book by Stephen Cottrell called “Do nothing to change your life – discovering what happens when you stop”. The book is billed as “a joyous affirmation of life for anyone feeling exhausted, bitter or dismayed by the pace of modern life”. It is a great read and I really do recommend it.
This little piece of the poem however, seems to be saying so much to us about the way we look at life and the way we feel about ourselves and about God’s role in our lives. It is so very easy to join in with those around us who are moaning that life isn’t what it used to be; that we always used to do things better years ago and the way things were in the past is always the way they should be now. It also seems to be saying that it is no good rushing on through life almost blindfold towards a future which is inevitably uncertain because the future always is. The image of turning aside to suddenly notice the bush that is burning by our side and is full of promise and excitement is one that really rings true and urges us to slow down and take stock of what we are and what we have, not in material terms but in the wealth of our own person and being and of those around us.
It also makes us think a little about eternity and the inevitability of it all.
In this small fragment there is so much for us to take hold of and use for ourselves, but if we can just take the image of stopping the rush and looking sideways to the burning bush for our inspiration this month then I hope it will be helpful. September is going to be a busy time after the quietness of the holiday month of August so I hope these images will be helpful. If you would like to borrow Stephen Cottrell’s book please ask me.
Philip Taylor
