Save Yourselves – Reflections of a Quiet Anglican

Whilst walking home from my weekly Pilgrim Course I felt a sudden call to stop and to sit on a bench I would shortly pass. I could have put this down to being out-of puff, however, I was rather enjoying the brisk walk. It was dark, a little cold: hardly an appealing time to stop and sit unnecessarily. So I walked past the bench without hesitation. The sensation of being asked to stop and sit intensified, so I backtracked a few meters: I stopped and I sat.

I can only assume the bench was placed specifically for folk to rest, regardless of my reason for being there. There are many beautiful views in the town of Clitheroe, buy this bench does not face any of them. A factory wall, the back of a pub, Sainsburys carpark…

I sat and waited for my task, for some explanation of why I had felt so drawn to sitting there. Perhaps some person would come, who needed assistance. But I heard no footsteps nearby. Could it be that woman, thre across the road, with black hair and a black coat – she almost looks familiar for a moment.

Save yourself, I suddenly learn from within and without. As if I myself had been the footsteps that never came, and had sat beside myself in some time of felicitous need. Save yourself. I later remember that this is not the first time I have learned this thing: not even the first time today. Some equations take time to understand – but the maths is simple. I, just as much as every stranger who provokes the fueling of my heart with good will and compassion, must be cared for.

Anna F J Smith Morris

Business woman, vegan, nerd & parent

Save Yourselves – Reflections of a Quiet Anglican

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