David Gray

David Gray played in the Wellington Events Centre last night. And he was awesome! He does a fantastic live show, though I don't really get the head wobbling thing. Gosh, it alsmost seems like his head wasn't quite attached to his neck the way it was wobbling.

Anyways, it was a welcome respite from the stress of the last 6 weeks (and more) and after a busy weekend and being unwell for the past week. He moved flawlessly from guitar to piano and the harmonica. I have a bad memory of song titles so I can't quite describe his set list. But I do know it songs from his latest album - Life in Slow Motion and also from his popular album - White Ladder. Another nice thing was that he didn't talk much at all! So it was all music! And he finished the encore with Babylon and got the audience to join in. Nice.

back to my roots?

On Sunday night for the ICF committee retreat, I led a contemplative time of reflection. I have done stuff like this before, but always together with someone. So this was the first time I prepared one on my own. I used the outline from the Sacred Space website (which is a site I try to use often to pray and reflect before I go to bed). I also used lots of written prayers from a book I bought last year and from the Book of Common prayer. It flowed really well. We had a good time to reflect on the last 3 months and then share and pray for each other. Then for the 'Word of God' bit, I used Psalm 30 from a Sons of Korah album and put that on repeat. And then we closed the time together and had chocolate fondue.

I grew up in an Anglican church, and I really disliked using liturgy then. But now, I have begun to like written prayer. I usually go to the Book of Common prayer to find some ideas/inspiration and I also have the New Zealand prayer book (which is the one used by the Anglican Church in NZ). And also try to find other sources where there is pre-written prayer and also contemporary liturgies/prayers. I have come to think that written prayers are just much more able to convey needs and expressions in such a succinct (and sometimes more poetic) way. Also in reflection times, I like the idea of just listening to the bible, and not have anyone explain it or give their opinion about it, but each person can just mull it over - just them and God. And allow the words to just bring healing, restoration, rebuke, etc. (Taken from a Taize style worship idea).

Worship/prayer sessions can easily be wordy. How nice to have simple words, silence, candles and simple music. I'm now finding this approach much more fulfilling and refreshing.

Love life!

Every now and then, I get a sense of appreciation of life and an "I'm so glad I'm here feeling" (particularly after recounting certain times I have expereinced). Tonight is one of those times. I have to come to appreciate these moments. There are times when I am thankful to God for particular things but its good to be thankful about life itself - appreciating life and appreciating God for life. And I hope I will always remember to appreciate and to savour life - having fun, discovering the unlimitless enormousity of God, enjoying meaningful connections with people.

Yes, life has its ups and downs, and no way am I saying that life is always a breeze. But as I try to survive the downs of life (and struggle through to the other side, I also want to ride the wave of the ups in life. And in the midst of it, to thank God and savour this life I have been bestowed.

Earth from Above

Currently in Waitangi Park, near the waterfront, is a free exhibition 'Earth from the Air' featuring works by photographer Yanns Arthus-Bertrand. I finally went to see it last night (I was told it was better going at night). Its an amazing series of photographs of earth, people, life - all taken from the air along with bits of information about sustainable development. People in Wellington who haven't yet been, go see it before it closes (April 9)!

Its good to be have things put into perspective. Seeing the photographs, reminded me that I am but a tiny speck in this world we live in; of how life goes on in other parts of the world can be much tougher than life as I know it; of why I should appreciate what I have and respect the earth; of the wonders of creation that reflects on the Wonder of the Creator.