My Happy Place - Reflection by Canon Ellen

I have two happy places.

One is Liverpool Cathedral (obviously) and the other is Everton Park.

During the lockdown I was able to look out at the cathedral every day but I missed Everton Park with its rolling telly tubby hills and amazing views. There was one Sunday in the middle of May when I was so sad that I couldn’t get to the park that a friend sent me a photo on her way home from volunteering at the foodbank. I am not ashamed to admit that it made me have a little cry.  

I am sure you have missed those special happy places, the places we all take for granted and in ordinary times would just pop over to see and experience whenever we feel the need. As lockdown starts to ease a little perhaps you have made it out to visit a few places you have missed? Well, I went to Everton Park this week (the photo is proof). I was able to just catch the last of the wild flowers and even though it was a hazy day I did get to see the sea! And I had another little cry…

I won’t be getting out as much as many others might be as I will continue to shield with Mark until August and then we will have to remain careful for a long time until he is a bit better. But, these trips to open spaces and safe places will be a great morale boost and spiritually uplifting. I know this has been a hard time for all of us and we will need to live in a new way for quite some time. That way we will be safe and we will be able to gently look after each other.

So, my prayers this week are for those people who are feeling isolated and can’t get out to their happy places, for those who are struggling with their mental health and who physically are finding these times difficult. I know how fortunate I am and I know how hard it continues to be so many.

Loving God
I thank you for your grace and mercy
For the joy of being able to share in such beauty in creation
For those places that bring back happy memories and full us with joy.
I pray for those who are struggling in body mind or spirit
For people who feel isolated and alone,
For the sick and the dying,
And for all who are longing for human touch and loving care.
Pour our spirit on the bereaved and all who are sad and full of sorrow.
May your protection and love surround us all.
In the name of your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen. 

Canon Ellen

While you're here:
Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.