Epworth & Belton Group of Churches

Revd Paul’s Refection for July 2025 - Lessons from the Garden

One of the great blessings of living in here the Rectory is the constant companionship of the natural world right outside our door. The garden has become something of a little sanctuary — not just for Karen and me, but for a whole host of God’s creatures too.

We have a lively family of wild rabbits who dart about in the early mornings and evenings, tails bobbing as they explore and nibble at the grass (and some of Karen’s beloved plants too!). The squirrels are regular visitors too, including one particularly striking individual with a ringed pattern on its tail — a little reminder that even in nature and with each one of us, God delights in variety and individuality.

But the one who truly lifts my spirits each day is the most joyful blackbird I think I’ve ever heard. He perches boldly on the highest branch and sings his heart out, loud and strong, as though he’s greeting each dawn with a hymn of praise. It’s as though he knows something we don’t — or perhaps he simply remembers better than we do that each new day is a gift worth celebrating. The smaller garden birds, too — the sparrows, finches, and robins — gather daily to feed, finding in the Rectory garden a place of safety, shelter, and welcome.

It brings to mind a simple story I once heard of a little boy who was asked what he did when he was sad. He replied, “I go outside and listen to the birds, because they never seem worried.” There’s wisdom in that. Creation carries on, sustained by God’s hand, even when human hearts are heavy with the cares of the world.

And in these times, when the news can feel heavy and there’s plenty to keep us awake at night, it’s good to pause and take notice of the simple, beautiful things God has placed around us. The little reminders that we’re not forgotten, and that even in the mess and muddle, we’re loved and held by the same Creator who thought up rabbits, squirrels with ringed tails, and blackbirds who never forget to sing.

Jesus himself said, “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6.26, NRSV).

So, if you get the chance this July, sit outside for a while. Watch the birds, listen to the breeze in the trees, and let it lift your spirits. It’s often in those quiet moments we remember what really matters.

Wishing you peace and every blessing this July,

Revd Paul

The Revd Paul Wilson

Rector of the Epworth Group of Churches

Priest-in-Charge of the Belton Group of Churches

Assistant Curate of the Crowle Group of Churches and the Haxey and Owston Ferry Plurality

Rural Dean of the Isle of Axholme Deanery