We’ve landed in Nidderdale at the property which will shortly host the Sanctuary’s new, bespoke prayer space… and are starting to feel settled here. Our hearts are very full – we can’t stop thanking and praising God for leading us every step of the way over this last stretch, and for leading us here – to a place of such wonder and beauty right in the heart of Yorkshire.
We’re also very tired after a busy few months ending in one location and packing up two properties in order to move to the new one.
So during November and December, we’ll be taking it gently, making sure we pace ourselves, rest and just enjoy settling in before we start thinking about building plans in the new year. And some of our central collective members will also be taking a well-earned holiday during this time-period too!
But we wanted to let you know we’re safely here, all has gone smoothly, we’re getting settled, we’re so excited about what’s coming… and we’re already being inspired to create here!
Here’s a psalm that bubbled up and overflowed out from Liz yesterday afternoon…
Bright valley is all smiles today –
awoken by the world’s strongest light
to shine back the favour
in glowing gold and green
and burnished brown bronze.
The brooks almost giggle their descent,
as if tickled out of shyness
by creeping warmth
illuminating bracken-scented shade
to shimmer their rush, flow and drop.
Shoals of sky-painters
dip, glide and weave,
brush-stroking broad blue
with passing shapes;
then, as I ascend the fell under them,
shift craft and lead me up
like a troupe of soaring minstrels
– bright pied-pipers by the dozen –
uplit and uplifting.
A distant floating balloon
punctuates blue with red, now white;
what does my below look like from that kind of above?
But I am glad to be on the ground today,
climbing to first flight-heights only.
For here each ordinary thing,
each overlooked scrap
of moss on wall
or grass underfoot
grows jewel-like
as if the land itself was a prayer,
or a hymn – or both.
And it is of course.
I tread the same fields and rocks
as monks and pilgrims.
And I wonder,
is the whole valley dancing anew
to welcome us home
to their ancient glory-scape?
I breathe in deep, fresh joy.
And I quiet.
And I am all smiles too.