The Quiet Garden Day 24

Today I have been to The Quiet Garden at Ashton under Hill. David and Jane are friends of mine whom I met first when they lived in Birlingham and opened a Quiet Garden there. It was for me a place of sanctuary and spiritual rest and refreshment during my years at Fernhill Heath and as Missioner within Worcestershire. David and Jane moved a couple of years ago to Ashton and are now opening a quiet garden there.

The Quiet Garden movement is just 15 years old and defines its vision as

To initiate and resource
a network of local opportunities,
mainly in private homes and gardens
for prayer, silence, reflection
and the appreciation of beauty;
for learning about Christian life and spirituality;
and for experiencing creativity and healing
in the context of God's love.

Today's afternoon meditation focussed on busyness and the fact that busyness is a choice rather than an adjunct of modern life. This is a challenging thought and I feel deep down is so true. Yet how often do I equate busyness with achievement - if I havent been busy then I must have been wasting time! Even on this sabbatical someone warned me - "Dont waste it!" So I am trying to be busy sabbaticaling and consequently becoming frustrated.

Tomorrow I am off to the Society of Mary and Martha in Devon and am NOT going to be busy.

Will let you know how I get on! In the meantime if you are interested in the Quiet Garden movement here is a link to the UK site and an American site with lots of meditations etc.

http://www.quietgarden.co.uk/
http://www.restandbethankful.org/index.php?page=home

The next day at Ashton under Hill (which unfortunately I shall miss) is on 28th June if you are interested make a comment and I will email details on my return.