16 March – Rev’d  Chris Williams – St Mary’s, Liss

Are you Travelling Light?

My wife and I are moving to Italy in a few weeks. This entails losing almost everything we have accumulated over 37 years of married life as our new home is very much smaller than our current one. Apart from the practical headache of how and where to get rid of everything (answer: I still don’t know!), at a deeper level, we are having to ask ourselves how important are the things we own: what do we keep, what can we sell and what can be thrown or given away? It’s a challenging process as we question the value and purpose of literally everything we own. We know we will miss some things, but, at the same time, we will be travelling lighter and, with fewer possessions, will be more adaptable to the challenges ahead.

Lent, (the six weeks leading up to Good Friday and Easter Day), offers a similar opportunity – should we wish to take it. This is a time of honest, self-reflection for Christians; a time to consider what baggage we have accumulated that may weigh us down: habits, attitudes, possessions, addictions, how we spend our money or time, and a whole host of things that can become a part of our lives, sometimes without any consideration of the effects they may have on us. Why not find some time (and it will take time), to honestly reflect on your life and see if there is anything within your control, that is hindering you living your best and most productive life: and throw it out.

I am, largely, in control of my story as I move to another country and decide what to take. As I write this, we are two weeks into the war in Ukraine. Millions of people have been forced to make quick decisions about what is important to them: usually, only what they can fit into a small bag or case. As we consider with gratitude the possibilities and choices open to us today let’s remember those who are being forced to leave everything behind and do all in our power to make this world a more peaceful place.