‘A penny for your thoughts?’
 

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4 v8.

Martin Luther King Jr. meditated on a seemingly impossible dream. He shared his dream during his American civil rights speech that he gave during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. He called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States. His "I Have a Dream” speech changed the course of American history. 

The summer break gives us the opportunity to meditate on what really matters in life. To take time out for spiritual renewal. Thinking about where we are on our life’s journey and where to go next.

Jesus took time out for solitary prayer and spiritual renewal. He devoted time to meditation and planning the paths ahead for himself and his disciples.

People we know, and maybe you too, are facing pivotal points in their lives. They may be starting a new school, or starting a new job or going to university, or facing retirement. They may be facing a period of challenging, critical health issues including an operation and potentially painful treatment programmes.

Meditation is part of our Christian heritage, practised by many over past centuries. It is an integral part of our emotional and spiritual resilience. Christian meditation is a deep, healing well of renewal. Insights gained can be life-changing, leading to a new exciting path in life. Sacrificing things we love to gain something even better can be a painful test of faith, as it was for Abram. Charles Dickens summed it up - “The important thing is this: to be ready at any moment to sacrifice what you are for what you could become.”