A Holiday Thought
It’s funny what we remember isn’t it? I can only remember going to church with my father once.
It was on holiday, on the Isle of Wight, and in an ancient little Fishermans chapel we found ourselves at compline, and listened to the vicar say these words: “Amidst the vastness of the sea, a homesick sailor, Thomas, found himself consumed by an overwhelming longing for his beloved homeland. The endless horizons stretched out before him, echoing the ache within his heart. Each crashing wave reminded him of the distant shores he yearned to return to.
In the solitude of his cabin, Thomas stumbled upon a worn-out ship’s Bible tucked away in the sea chest. Curiosity sparked him to open its pages to a random spot. His eyes fell upon Psalm 139, and there, he read the words that would forever change his perspective.
‘If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.’
As Thomas absorbed those words, they resonated deep within his weary soul. They spoke of a presence that transcended time and distance—a guiding hand that could reach even the furthest corners of the world. In that moment, his homesickness was met with the realisation that he was never truly alone.
From that day forward, Thomas clung to the promise woven into the fabric of Psalm 139. It became his anchor, grounding him. The knowledge that God’s hand would lead him and hold him, regardless of his geographical location, brought solace to his aching heart.
As the ship sailed onward, Thomas found solace in his newfound faith. He sought comfort in the words of the Bible, finding hope and strength within its pages. Though his homesickness remained, it was tempered by the knowledge that he was not abandoned, that God’s presence would never leave his side.
In time, Thomas discovered that his homesickness was gradually replaced by a sense of belonging—a deepening connection with the divine. While he still longed for his homeland, he found solace in the knowledge that wherever he may be, God's hand would lead him, and His right hand would hold him close.
Wherever you travel this summer, may you know the one who is the Lord of Sea and Sky walking beside you.
Thank you
At St Helen’s thank you to all who made the barbecue possible this year. At St Michael’s, thank you to those who made the concert possible, a remarkable feat for a parish our size. Untold hard work goes into these things!
With all good wishes
The Rev’d Andrew Wilkinson MA
Vicar & Area Dean of Garstang
