"Tears for Souvenirs" - Reflection by Canon Linda

This painting with verses from Psalm 56 was done for me by Emily Okines Davies which I occasionally use when leading retreats and quiet days. I surround the painting with all sorts of jars and blue and white fabric.

At last we have the peace doves in the cathedral!    
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As we are able to show such a spectacular installation in such a spectacular place we are left in awe and wonder - giving an opportunity for a million and one different opportunities for the doves to resonate with each of us at different times and different emotions. Tears will be shed expressing a whole range of emotions from relief, joy and sorrow. As we have been in lockdown many a cry has been, “O for the wings of a dove far, far away would I rove”!

I am reminded of the motto used by Bootle:

Respice, adspice, prospice Examine the past, examine the present, examine the future.

I first came across it living and working in Bootle during the time of the government initiative, “City Challenge”, which aimed at bringing regeneration to the area--with limited impact, as there was not enough reflection on the past and present to lead into a better future at that time.

As we slowly emerge from this current pandemic we will all be living to a small or large extent altered lives:

• Reflecting on past mistakes and things that we can never regain - needing time for tears of loss.
• Emerging from our bubbles and the changes that has brought to our lives and tears of joy as we reengage with those we have missed.
• And most of all, how does this reflecting help us to live for the future? What kind of world do we want to live in and leave for the future?

My diary is beginning to fill up, firstly with long awaited visits to family and friends, secondly with face to face meetings and opportunities to engage with new initiatives. As we move into this new future, let’s thank God for the gift of tears and look to let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

Canon Linda

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.