The liminal space is a gift. The space in between, the pause, and through line connecting past, present and future. A gift that is inherently one of slowing down and taking notice, that takes a look backward and forward, where you experience the now and the not quite yet at the same time.
I continue to be a Sheppard Scholar here at St Martin-in-the-Fields (until Sunday 3 of September), a role I have had for the last 3 years but now, though not quite yet, I’m also an ordinand in the Church of England.
There have been two noticeable reactions I have had to this. One to feel stretched and strained as I try to fully inhabit my current role and my future role as if only one existed. The other to feel at peace and purposeful as I try to inhabit my current role and my future role to the extent to which both actually exist; as I loosen the grip on one and take hold of another. In the process of doing so insight and revelation weave in and out of my fingers so to speak, along with a great sense of gratitude. I thank you all for sharing something of yourself with me and being part of my rich formation. A special thanks to Jonathan, Fr Richard, Vicar Sam, Sally, Cath, Angela, Mel, Andrew, Polina, Sian, The Sunday International Group, The Nazareth Community, and of course Adelaide and Huey, and many, many more I wish I could name here.
Perhaps this reflects what it means to be a Christian. To live with one foot in this world and one foot in the next and not try to stretch to have both feet in one over the other. To spend the time in prayer and worship that our souls will be restored and our cup will overflow.
To move from the darkest valleys to the greenest of pastures and stillest of waters, and not trying to strain to stay in anyone of those places. To spend time with people as they are and where they are allowing your cup to over flow until all are blessed.
If you are afraid today to inhabit both earth and heaven and let go and take hold, remember that God is with you and God’s goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life. By this same goodness and mercy you are both human and holy, enough and to be perfected and of now and all eternity (to be with God and one another).
God is good.
Ben Sheridan
