Congratulations for finding this bit of the magazine to look at, whether you’re waiting for someone in the supermarket car park or sat in your garden or on the sea front. If your eye has settled on this short column, or if you’ve actually sought it out, and you’re still reading- then congratulations.
These next few minutes are for you. Sit quietly and comfortably. Make yourself a drink if you don’t already have one. Commit to spending a bit of time to yourself, for you. Breathe. Count your breaths. Slow them down.
Know that God loves you, that he cares for you, that he knows you, that he died for you.
And once you have that sense of calmness and stillness, and once you have rooted yourself in God’s unconditional love, begin to look around a bit and to think- who are you most thankful for today?
Is there anyone you need to call because you haven’t spoken to them for a while or a relationship you need to repair?
Is there anything which is worrying you or causing you to feel flat and low? And what one thing are you most grateful for today? Make some notes on what you think and find, what is given to you.
And then finish your tea.
And go to the mirror.
And smile at yourself- and as you see that smile, realise that that is the way God sees you the way he looks at you, how he thinks of you- as loved and lovely.