I was delighted to be invited to a wonderful service prior to Christmas where amazing music was sung by a choir – all part of a service of the Nine Lessons – all part of a delightfully special evening. When reflecting on the evening there were a number of reasons why it was so special. The location one can see is very special, creating an intimate feeling in a small chapel, which, whilst full, was not a large congregation. The music was sublime and very emotional. The lead up to Christmas after a busy year. And more…

One of the things that strikes me when I make the time to attend events such as this, is the space that one honours for oneself.

In our ever-connected world with a small screen seldom far away there is all too often the easy distraction. Look at any street, café, restaurant, gathering of people it is very rare that phones are not to be seen.

In the time before mobile phones people would have their attention on other things. More often than not on the people they were with. This is now seldom the case in most social circles. And we moan about the lack of time we have. Perhaps it is just that the time we have is sucked out of us by the attention to the ‘real estate’, the term that I have used elsewhere for our mobile devices.

In the times when most people would have attended church, at least once on a Sunday, it was time that they had to sit and join in the service, listen to the sermon and have some ‘quiet time’ in their week. Also speak to other people before and after the service.

I wonder if the loss of this space for oneself is, in part, contributory to the issues that so many people now claim to have with their mental wellbeing. The space and time not to feel under pressure to do anything. To recharge, have some personal space, be with other people without any need to speak, a common purpose, a common space to attend and feel part of something.

I read something a couple of days ago that added to this thought about people and our world as it now is – people now ‘crave small gatherings’. Now there’s a thought!

No more ‘likes’ or ‘friends’ on their social media. Real connection.

Food for thought.

This special place has been a focus for small gatherings for 1000 years. Perhaps we need to relearn the importance of being less distracted and becoming more present for ourselves and for other people.

A thought for the new year?

My best wishes,

Peter