My week with Mr Peterson

This week as we 'retreated' with colleagues amidst the beauty of Ashburnham Place we were reminded (courtesy of Eugene Peterson) of Jesus' words...

'Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.' Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

Nevermind the 'unforced rhythms of grace' (which incidentally is one of my favourite phrases from the Message), with the absence of blaring sirens and amber night-time glow we learned the rhythms of rural life - which was rather nice!

Then yesterday, as we shared a beautiful day with Rachel and Ben at their wedding we were reminded of God's own proscribed rhythm of relationships:

'So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.' Colossians 3:12-17 The Message

Undoubtedly easier to say (or write) than to do, I can't help thinking that learning to be 'content with second-place' is the key to healthy relationships that last and enrich.

Then again, as a Scotsman second-place would be great!