And pause... 14th July 2018 by Susanne Irving

One of the most memorable experiences during my retreat day at Mottisfont Abbey was spending time at the Mottisfont spring.

We were told that the spring has never been known to run dry, with 900 litres (200 gallons ) of water coming up through the chalk every minute!

Yet all the casual observer (i.e. I without instructions from the retreat leaders) could see was a smallish round pool that looked like a clouded mirror. Only when I took the time to look down and observe the underwater plants surrendering to the flow, did I begin to notice the channel of water that overflowed from the spring.

When I finally followed the path by the stream I soon reached a cascade - tangible evidence of how much water is produced by a gentle, seemingly inactive spring.

At the time it reminded me that God's presence and guidance is often imperceptible unless I take time out to quieten down, listen and observe. I was also thankful that waterfalls are rare in my life. I am not the kind of person who would cope well with non-stop noise and drama!

However, at the present time there is a danger of a prolonged drought rather than of flooding in my life. I am like the large waterbutt in our backgarden, which has just dribbled out its final drops of water, as its outflow has far exceeded any inflow. I briefly imagined what it would be like if I could directly connect my waterbutt to the Mottifont spring. It would be filled to overflowing before I could even brew a cup of tea. Yet in my experience, empty waterbutts take time to fill. It is a matter of patience, perseverance and trust rather than overnight miracles.

So after more than 3 years of monthly blogposts, I am going to take a sabbatical. I like to consider this a creative pause rather than the end of the journey...



About the author: Susanne Irving is the co-ordinator for the Creative Communicators in Petersfield. She has co-written a book with her husband John about their experiences when climbing Kilimanjaro. It is aimed at both trekkers and those who are going through a dark time in their lives. How to conquer a mountain: Kilimanjaro lessons is available as a paperback and an e-book on Amazon, with all proceeds going to charity. The German translation Wie man einen Berg bezwingt: Was der Kilimanjaro uns gelehrt hat was published in June 2017.