My Pilgrimage will soon end and my Soul will be at rest

14 November, 2006

Dear Friends,

How frequently I shall be able to write to you I know not, but will contact you by phone as it is convenient to do so.

Many of you I have known for many years, others amongst you, more recently. Training centre days for some and college days for many others. Many of you that serve in the work-a-day world. With each and everyone, we have laughed – thought seriously – and discussed many things.

For each of you it has been in various settings but I think of you all with gladness as having known you and as I write to you all, my mind is filled with much joy. Whether it be of service to the handicapped; lecturing on aspects of training; or in general conversation from time to time; I trust my life and character has had some influence on each of you, especially when speaking of the things that reach far beyond the mundane affairs of life and have given to you a new dimension in your thinking.

My life has been a hectic one – full of thrills and spills. I write therefore with the prime purpose to remind you and exhort you, to live, as I myself do, ever seeking the blessing of God, in all you do or say and with all those who you meet and share friendship.

I have not attended a place of worship for over a year, for many reasons. I question much, the practice and beliefs of the various religions – some of which are very confusing. My personal desire is to love God with ALL my heart, mind and soul and love my neighbour as myself.

I have put my heart into all that I have ever done, hence my deep satisfaction in my advancing years.

How does one explain about the affairs of the heart???

I will try!!!

A new born baby arrives into your home. A miracle indeed. You are the parents or the grandparents. ‘This is the most beautiful child in the world.’ Of course it is so very special.

You are ‘over the moon’ – can’t get to hold it quick enough! It is your own flesh and blood. Your heart goes out to the Mother. Your heart is filled to overflowing and maybe you shed a tear for the joy and happiness this birth has caused for all of you.

Do I make sense of how the heart responds to love and wonder at the miracle of a new born babe???

He says,
‘If you seek Me with all your heart – you will surely find Me’

One of my friends was distressed by not having offered prayer to God for several days, due to the pressures of domestic life. I tried to be reassuring by saying that we have an understanding God, who is aware of our situations. He doesn’t want obligations, piety and other forms of ritual – but to offer our hearts – which He can read and know if they are sincere. The heart will always reveal the truth.

I pray for all of you daily, that you may from time to time, glimpse things pertaining to the eternal.

We live in a very turbulent world. A Strange and Dangerous place. There is great falling away from goodness and purity.

But to those who endure and retain a simple faith …

Will …
In the world to come …
Win the approval of God Himself.

As life moves on, I rest my Soul in those simple beliefs and experiences through which I have passed. It has been a rich and wonderful ‘Pilgrimage’ and I close with words from a poet (hoping that I haven’t wearied or offended you).

‘Let nothing draw me back,
Or turn my heart from Thee.
But by the Calvary track,
Bring me at last to see,
The Courts of God – that city fair,
And find my name is written there.’

May God richly bless you and your families.
I remain your faithful and trusted friend.

Name on file
former Officer UK (octogenarian and almost deaf)