Take the long view

This is my favourite bench on Warley Woods. The view is good (but you'll have to find the bench to see it). But really it is the encouragement which comes with it which is what I like most.

Today I visited a dear person who is learning what it is to live every moment they have left on this earth as gift. Taking the long view is not something you might think would be possible. And yet, the long view is for them minute to minute not years or decades.

And as I thought about this some more I realise that taking the long view is not really about linear time. It is not about years, decades or centuries. It is about an attitude of mind that is comfortable living with mystery and things seen and unseen - and trusting beyond both what we know and what we don't.

And then Proverbs 3.5-6 came to me: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.'