Reflections April 2013 Okehampton Times: What shapes our choices?
Whether it’s the discussion about Tesco’s coming to Okehampton, or where the quilt in the Charter Hall should hang, or even the debate about wind turbines, there are some things that really divide opinion.
This week as I was scanning along newsagent’s shelves and seeing the various accounts about Mrs Thatcher’s death, I noted reactions ranging from adulation to venomous hatred. Pondering all this I appreciated a quote from Rev Meg Gilly, a vicar from Gateshead who said: ‘Love her or loathe her, everyone has an opinion, and everyone knows they are right’.
It’s easy to say the first thing that comes into our head and regret it afterwards. I often recall a quote from the New Testament book of James where it says; ‘Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.’
It is such good advice for all of us, from whatever walk of life. Our opinions are so wrapped up in our own life story. Our upbringing and life experiences have influenced us on the way. Whether we were born with a silver spoon in our mouth or a plastic one, it all shapes why we think the way we do.
In the New Testament there is the story of Saul who was a very good man. He knew what it meant to follow the law, to be and do what was right. He could see exactly what was wrong with the world. But one day on a journey the risen Christ spoke to him, and he listened, and that experience changed his outlook on life. He became a changed man with a new mindset and new direction for his life.
It is when we stop and listen, when we make space, that our hearts become free to make the best choice we can.
Mr David Pett, Churches’ Rural Development Officer for West Devon
Reflection May 2013 Okehampton Times .
As I write this reflection the rain and wind is beating against the window in a very unseasonal way. Whatever your views about whether climate change is a man made phenomenon or not there is broad consensus that global weather patterns are changing.
I was a farmer for many years and so fully realise the importance of receiving accurate and up to date weather forecast to be able to plan planting and harvesting operations. So when I heard Laura Macadam, regional co-ordinator for Christian Aid in Devon, talk about farming and the weather on Radio Devon’s ‘pause for thought’ slot, my ears pricked up
She described that, like their Devon counterparts small farmers in Kenya have found that unpredictable weather patterns have led to failed crops and for them this has meant that they are unable to feed and provide for their families which is why Christian Aid have been working with partners in Kenya to provide a service of local weather forecasts by text message. This service together with specific training has helped farmers adapt their techniques, timings and crop choices according to the changing climate.
Most Kenyans, even in rural areas have access to cheap mobile phones and so this innovative service has been a lifeline to many communities by helping these African farmers help themselves. Christian Aid have as one of their strap-lines ‘we believe in life before death’ and this simple project is an excellent example of great work to help those in greatest need.
This week is Christian Aid week and so throughout this week local Christian groups will be raising money for this worthy cause. This Saturday there will be a street collection in Okehampton co-ordinated by the ‘Just Living’ group. They will have a stall in the marketplace, so if you are in town pleased drop by and have a chat.
June 2013 Reflection
I have an admission which will possibly mean that I could be banned from ever writing these reflections ever again . The reason is simple. I am Cornish and to make it worse for you I actually so still live in Cornwall! There, I have laid out my little secret out for all of you to see.
To reconcile myself somewhat I can tell you that each morning I have the job of walking our Collie on the farm where we live and look East to view the beautiful vista that is Dartmoor and West Devon. To see the magnificent sunrise over Dartmoor with its patchwork of fields around it lifts my heart even in the darkest of days. This scene is constantly changing and looks so different in changing seasons, weathers and lights.
Sometime ago I read a book by the Brian Draper who is a Christian. He was relating the same experience that I feel everytime I go for a walk and see creation around me, as he appreciated the walk he thanked God for the beauty of the natural scene before him he felt an immediate reply come back: ‘You are part of the beauty of this picture’
Well I do not know about you but here are times when I do not feel very beautiful but I very much like the thought I am beautiful in God’s eyes!!
Reflections for Okehampton Times February 2012
Back in the 1960’s Bob Dylan sang ‘Times they are a changing’. Just now however it seems as if change is happening at an even faster rate and that is uncomfortable. The worries of financial collapse and subsequent cutbacks and environmental concerns lead many to believe we can’t go on like this. With all that is happening it is all too easy to be pessimistic and negative about what the future holds.
Yet there is something about this present age that excites me to believe that there is something very positive afoot and that is this. Large scale changes that have great impact do not originate in plans or strategies from high government. Instead they begin in small actions that grow and influence and change perceptions. 2000 years ago Jesus Christ gathered a very mixed bag of individuals together with a view to change the world not by the love of power but by the power of love. That crazy notion ultimately led to the sacrifice of many of their lives for his ideals and truths that he taught. However you view the resurrection it is undeniable that those truths live on in people’s lives right up to today. The wonderful thing is I see them everywhere and definitely not only in Church. It’s all over our communities working through the likes of the Foodbank, Street Pastors, Youth and Community projects and partnerships with and without Christian links. Someone once said, ‘the smallest good deed is better than any great intention’, and Gandhi once said. ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’. Now that’s a thought. Grace and Peace, David Pett, West Devon Rural Development Enabler.
Reflections for Okehampton Times September 2011
In 2011 we have been celebrating 400 years since the King James Bible was first published. I am always intrigued by the amount of things we say every day that can be attributed back to the Bible. I suppose it should come as no surprise as it has been at the centre of English life and literature for those 400 years. Until recent times the Bible was likely to have been the only book found in the average home so generations of authors were knowingly or unknowingly taught by or inspired by the world's greatest book. The King James Version of the Bible is an acknowledged literary masterpiece. Sayings like ‘The blind leading the blind, ‘going the extra mile’, ‘bite the dust’, ‘united we stand, divided we fall’, ‘tearing your hair out’ all are biblical quotes. Just going onto the internet and ‘googling’ ‘every day sayings from the Bible’ will reveal many more. The Bible has been so influential in our national lives that its truths have been embedded into our lives; in plays, films, politics, gossip and over the fence chat and we do not even realise it. This ancient literature still has much to teach us, even in our 21st Century. So go on, pick it off the shelf and give it a read.
Grace and Peace
David Pett , West Devon Rural Development Enabler
Reflections for Okehampton Times January 2011
One of the best things about picking up a local paper such as the Okehampton Times is being able to read about all the good things that happen in our area. Over the past month I (with a little help from my in-laws) have searched through four recent editions and recorded the amount of money that has been raised for charity. The answer came to an average figure of £4328.25 per week! If we assumed reported giving was consistent it would amount to a staggering £225,069 through the whole year. This is money raised by you all for local, national and international causes. I think we all know that it does not stop there as there is so much more that is given and not reported in the local press. On top of that there are the many people who give their time, labour and intellect freely to help others. Sports coaches, scout and guide leaders, parish councillors, village fete tea ladies (and men) etcetera, all making a positive difference in our communities. Jesus Christ told his followers a long time ago that it is more blessed to give than to receive and that we should love our neighbours as we love ourselves. It would seem that many people understand those truths 2000 years on and are prepared to live them out in so many different ways, whether it’s encouraging a group of 9 year olds on a football pitch on a freezing winter Saturday afternoon or phoning up an elderly neighbour to make sure they are alright. Doing quite ordinary things can make an extraordinary difference. So go on and be extraordinary today!
Reflections for Okehampton Times June 2012
Our Parish, alongside countless others up and down the nation celebrated the recent Diamond Jubilee with a get together in the form of a tea party. I have not seen so many from the community turn up for such an event for many years and despite the rain we had a great day with lovely memories to cherish.
To celebrate the occasion the Parish Council decided to present special engraved jubilee mugs to each household and child. These were given out on the day of the party. Of course there were some folk who didn't make it to the event for various reasons, so as Parish Chairman it came to me to distribute them. I figured the best way to do that was to knock on doors of an evening and place the mugs in people's hands. As the Parish is one of the smallest in the County that is not so large a task as it sounds. I was not sure how I would be received but I discovered very quickly that Parishioners were absolutely delighted as face after face lit up after receiving them. Even sworn Republicans in the Parish were grateful! I in turn felt equal if not more joy in giving them out. The well worn saying ‘It’s better to give than to receive’ came immediately to my mind as that joy lifted me. Mother Theresa used to say ‘We can do no great things, just small things with great love.’ It’s amazing how such small things can make such a difference. Grace and Peace.
David Pett (West Devon Rural Development Enabler)
Reflections for Okehampton Times October 2012
Much has already been written about this amazing year of celebration with both the Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 London Olympics. With all that has happened including the success of British sportsmen and women I have detected the possibility of another winner. The winner is us, all of us living here in this nation at this time. What I hope and pray we have gained as a nation is a spirit of positivity and generosity. When the Olympics started there were constant media reports of empty seats and fears about transport and security problems, that nobody would be coming to the Olympics and that the whole things was going to be an embarrassing and expensive disaster for the country. The media seemed ready to pounce on each and every negative thing. So, what made the change? Firstly the amazing opening ceremony drew people in to start believing it could actually be successful. Secondly, I think it was the positivity of the volunteers at the games, the Gamesmakers who were the lifeblood of the whole thing. These unpaid folk who gave up their holidays and came to serve injected a huge boost to the whole event.
During the closing ceremony Jaques Rogge, head of the IOC, said: “We will never forget the smiles, the kindness and the support of the wonderful volunteers, the much-needed heroes of these Games.” These ‘games makers’ were effectively ‘change makers’ as their enthusiasm as well as the amazing feats and stories of Olympians and Paralympians. This positivity and generous spirit seemed to get everywhere and now the games are over, I for one wish to see this attitude continue. Become a change maker!
Grace & Peace
David Pett (West Devon Rural Development Enabler)
Reflections for Okehampton Times
March 2013
As we approach the Christian Festival of Easter the Gospel writers take us on a rollercoaster of events and emotions over the course of a few weeks in the life of Jesus Christ and his followers. These events vary from Jesus being welcomed as a King into the City of Jerusalem to being arrested and tried on trumped up charges leading to his crucifixion.
Maundy Thursday is in the midst of that momentous Easter week. The word Maundy derives from the command or mandatum by Christ at the Last Supper,’ to love one another’. Christ demonstrated his love by humbly washing the feet of the disciples. English Monarchs since mediaeval times have been involved with this act of love and compassion over the centuries; originally actually washing the feet of the poor it has evolved into a distribution of the Maundy money. The reminders of its origins still remain as officials in the Maundy service still wear towels over their clothing, worn over the shoulder and tied at the waist. The Queen also holds a ‘nosegay’ to take away the odour of smelly feet. I love this thought of the Queen humbly serving the poor and needy.
One of the most important aspects about the life and teaching of Jesus Christ for me is embodied in this very act of washing smelly feet. Jesus healed the sick but they eventually still died, he fed thousands but they were all hungry the next day. However they all remembered the love that was given in those acts. Christians believe that same love surrounds us today and it is our duty and joy to share that same love with those we meet in all sorts of different ways wherever we are on the rollercoaster we call life.