Testimony in Time

Many of our hymns are filled with scripture and quietly give direction. While the singer lifts their voice in song, the words feed and nourish the heart. One of those sung this morning was an old favourite of mine, I love it especially for the lines: filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.Perhaps its my love of the sea and the nautical references resonate, these lines are from Habakkuk 2:14.

God is working his purpose out,
As year succeeds to year:
God is working his purpose out,
And the time is drawing near;
Nearer and nearer draws the time,
The time that shall surely be,
When the earth shall be filled with the glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.

From utmost east to utmost west,
Where'er man's foot hath trod,
By the mouth of many messengers
Goes forth the voice of God;
Give ear to me, ye continents,
Ye isles, give ear to me,
That the earth may be filled with the glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.

Yet there's more here than the sea. The Isles of the scriptures were the northern reaches of the known land, beyond European mainland - that is Britain. The islands, the continent ... creation is bearing testimony to the works of the God. The Lord of history.

This hymn was written by Arthur C. Ainger (b. Blackheath, England, 1841; d. Eton, England, 1919) for use by the boys at Eton College, where Ainger was a popular schoolmaster from 1864-1901. Sadly there is an unedifying element of envy being perpetuated in politics, one that is discriminatory of people who've been to Public School, especially Eton.

Perhaps the challenge this discrimination presents may be overcome by celebrating all that's good. The fourth verse has the words:
That the light of the glorious gospel of truth
May shine throughout the world:
Fight we the fight with sorrow and sin
To set their captives free, that the earth ...
Goodness can emanate from across the political spectrum. We may need courage to make a stand so the gospel of truth may shine.

http://www.hymnary.org/text/god_is_working_his_purpose_out-1

Spectacular Sea Spray

It's a spectacular afternoon, the sun's shining and the tide is high. There's great delight amongst the seagulls who are gathered over and on the water. With each wave there is an almighty thud that reverberates thoughout the house, just ahead of the upward vertical thrust of water which is heavily laden with seaweed. The road is awash with water as the drains are now blocked. Cars passing are creating there own mini tidal waves ahead, and vigorous wakes follow. Out near the harbour where the water is shallow over the rocks there are three intrepid surfers having a whale of a time. I captured two of them earlier today:

I can hear many squeals of delight from young passers by below at the pavement level. From our first floor eyrie, we have a panoramic view of all the activity. A truly good to be alive afternoon here on the Prom in Castletown. Am taking the opportunity to celebrate creation and our Creator.

Sadly, I can't remember how to put my camera onto repeat, so am only getting the occasional photo rather than being able to take a group and pick the best. Note to self, ask Ivor how to do this!

Drying out

Leaving the shelter of the harbour wall in Alderney the company of Inspiration of Boss headed for Cherbourg's marina. It was a damp crossing, so once safely moored, the single heater was put on in order to dry out the waterproofs.

The journey from Cherbourg to St Helier, began at 9.15 am Saturday and was an even wetter thrash. They were tacking into a force 8 all the way with gusts of 9 as they headed through squalls. Rain, hail and the sea drenched them to the skin and their porridge, on Saturday morning, had to sustain them through into the night.

Once in sight of Jersey, they turned to follow the coast. Here it became more hairy as now, on a run in heavy seas, they were close to broaching. Every time they met a wave the end of the boom was submerged. They arrived, 16 hours later, at the entrance to St Helier at 1.15 am, within 15 minutes of their entrance being made impossible, by the well known bar.

When Gordon contacted me they were drying out. They were all so very cold and wet that they were thankful to be safely in port. He was not sure that the heater would be efficient or sufficient enough to dry everything, so they were hoping to find somewhere to dry their wetweather gear and they were going to find a 'greasy spoon' for a good feed. Also on board are Gareth, George, Nick and Skipper/Examiner Rich.

http://www.jersey-harbours.com/elizebeth.html

Before the ending of the day

The evening light has a very different quality as the days grow shorter. Made more acute, perhaps, by our location in the middle of the Irish Sea. The fewer daylight hours become precious for their usefulness, even in the age of electricity. The inky blackness, which will soon descend, is punctuated by the rhythmic flashing of the lighthouse and the nav lights of a passing vessel.

One of our sons has set out on a trip across the channel today. He's doing his yachtmaster. He'll be at sea for quite a few days, and out of contact for a couple of weeks. Identifying and understanding all kinds of lights at sea is foundational for all who venture across the water.

Each evening I reflect on all that is good, and all that will be and I give thanks for so much. And as dusk falls it is especially for those adventurers and mariners that I pray.

Enjoyment

Always been one who enjoys adventures. Taking the plunge earlier this week and launching this blog was exhilarating and nerve racking at the same time. I have found myself going back to the settings and changing and rearranging the material. Have been following a number of blogs and there are some that are quite awesome, others are a mixture of witty, funny, insightful, deep, light, political, artistic, satirical, beautiful, inspirational and much more.

This little girl enjoyed being on the water and loved that tangy salty air. She also enjoyed collecting things, but I can't remember what I'd put in my much loved basket. Whenever life has been tough, the seaside has been restorative and, as for collecting things, well ...

Tranquility

A pod of risso dolphins quietly travel in the evening tranquility.
Their majesty directs my thoughts to the vastness of our planet and the insignificance of individual humanity.
We are to live in communion with each other, if we don't there are consequences too terrible to contemplate.