This insight happened today last year.
The word on my heart as we participated in this event resonates now and is a
word of hope and encouragement.
There is life in dead places. Where we’ve worked to reclaim spiritual
land; dredged the silt from the depths of pain, disillusionment and sorrow and repaired
links to and from the Fathers heart - there will be life.
The highway of holiness is before you; flowing with purpose, yet contained
to take you where it ought, bringing life to you and all those you meet. The season of restraint has been about
discipline to establish structure to contain the river of life but
equally, to withstand the powerful tidal surges which could cause damage and loss of
life.
Bridges are there to cross from one side to another - the transition phase in life is also representative of new beginnings and doors, gates even, opening. There is a change of perspective coming - the bridge we're on may well be the place of opportunity and blessing.
Bridges are there to cross from one side to another - the transition phase in life is also representative of new beginnings and doors, gates even, opening. There is a change of perspective coming - the bridge we're on may well be the place of opportunity and blessing.
As the gates swing open there will be things in your life leaving,
don’t fret, look up to the heavens to catch the Fathers gaze; then around you to
see the living waters flowing beneath your feet. As the gates swing open remember Psalm
24:7-10: “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting
doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord
strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who
is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.”
(KJV)
Today a year ago I was out and about in London doing some
touristy things with a visiting family member. We boarded a Thames River boat at Greenwich pier - sailing towards Westminster.
Reclaimed and functional
I’ve done this trip many times over the last 10 years. The
boats' captain and funny commentator shared information I’d never heard before. In
this section of the Thames (Greenwich to Westminster) the river was three times
as wide as it is today. Many of the marshland areas have been drained and are now
functional – my day job is based on such reclaimed land. Once the embankment or
containment walls were built advertising along the riverside was banned. The Thames
is known as the King’s (Queen’s) highway.
The gates were open
Nearing Tower Bridge the atmosphere took on a festive air
with both banks lined with people. The captain announced we had to pull to the
side as the bridge was opening for a flotilla of yachts on their way down
the Thames, leaving the city to continue their voyage around the world.
This was the first time I’ve ever seen the bridge
opening. Seeing this from below and on
the water is quite spectacular as one recognises the enormity and magnificence of
the bridge.
The entire scene seemed to go into slow motion as Holy Spirit enveloped what was happening – looking beyond the natural to the supernatural – but also triggering memory of a dream I’d had years ago about ships and their various country flags.
The entire scene seemed to go into slow motion as Holy Spirit enveloped what was happening – looking beyond the natural to the supernatural – but also triggering memory of a dream I’d had years ago about ships and their various country flags.
New life as the river flows
Sixty years ago the river was filthy, dead and stinking. Bomb
damage from WW2, sewage dumping from a growing population, waste and industrial
growth had destroyed all life – literally no oxygen in the water to sustain
life.
By 2015, with structural changes, targeted action and
redevelopment there are now 125 species of fish, dolphins, seal and porpoises found
in the river. The river is also the main supply of water to the capital. There is much yet to be done but one has the sense that the
city is well on the way to seeing the Thames flow and sustain life as it’s
intended to.
Ancient yet new
The ancient history of the river is well documented. It
reflects the economic, cultural and political struggles over centuries. Above
all though I was struck by this sonnet, composed by William Wordsworth in 1803
- it gives us a lifelike picture of London as seen from the river at
Westminster at sunrise on a summer morning;
"Earth has not anything to show more fair; Dull would
he be of soul who could pass by A sight so touching in its majesty; This city
now doth like a garment wear The beauty of the morning; silent, bare, Ships,
towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie, Open unto the fields and to the sky, All
bright and glittering in the smokeless air.
Never did sun more beautifully steep In his first splendour
valley, rock, or hill; Ne'er saw I—never felt—a calm so deep. The river glideth
at its own sweet will. Dear God! the very houses seem asleep, And all that
mighty heart is lying still."
I love this city.
Joy
Some interesting websites on the history of the Thames
- http://www.british-history.ac.uk/old-new-london/vol3/pp287-299
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Thames