成人快手

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Right Revd Mary Stallard, Bishop of Llandaff.

Good morning. Over the past year I鈥檝e noticed that I鈥檓 becoming more, rather than less attached to some of my possessions. This may sound surprising for someone who tries to follow a faith which warns against storing up 鈥渢reasures on earth鈥�.
Perhaps it also sounds a bit contrary at a time when many feel moved to de-clutter and simplify our lives. But I鈥檝e found that certain objects have a significance that can鈥檛 easily be let go of.

When Dad died four years ago, I helped Mum clear out and give away his clothes and many of the personal belongings that it didn鈥檛 make sense for her to keep. But there were some things we felt a need to hold on to. I kept the pyjama top that he wore and two of his ties.
It feels comforting just to have these - they鈥檙e not things I鈥檇 ever wear, but they feel like a precious link with him. They鈥檙e loaded with a meaning that goes beyond any sense of material value. They feel like an imprint of him, of the marks of the loving difference he made in my life.
I realise that not everyone is able to hold onto physical mementos of their loved ones. The terrible tragedies and wars that destroy so many lives today often rip even such small comfort from the bereaved.

But where it鈥檚 possible I think there can be something healing about things that are charged with memories, symbols of love, creativity and care.
I treasure, and want to hold onto the small things that speak to me of love.

Holy God, lover of souls, present to us in so many ways. In times of sorrow, bless us with gentleness that we may be kind to ourselves and others, as you are unfailingly tender to all. Amen.