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Rev. Charles Burton offers a personal reflection on the struggle between choosing what we think we want and what’s actually good for us in the long run.
When you see a particular product, be it biscuits, sweets or cake does it bring back memories associated with a special person you used to visit or a place where you ate them years ago? My strong connection is with York Fruits – I always link them to my late great aunt Lena who I used to visit with my Mum, and there would always be a box of them in her living room – irresistible! I now always have a supply available should I need a blood glucose rush at any time! I also recall growing up in a guest house and hovering at the sweet trolley before bed in the hope that there would be spare portions – you get the picture – I certainly had a sweet tooth!
How times change; whether it’s through different tastes, health consciousness or dietary needs – I now try and avoid second courses! Perhaps we learn to listen to the wisdom of others or the needs of our own body as we grow older and learn what’s really good for us.
It’s Good to Listen
Of course as well as listening to our own good advice we can all give ear to the still small voice of God revealing His love, pointing us to His truth and leading us to encounter His precious Son. The Old Testament prophet Elijah had such a sense of God’s presence; not so much in powerful wind, nor the earthquake or fire – all of which he witnessed while running away into the wilderness – but something much calmer.
“After the fire came a gentle whisper”.
1 Kings 19 verse 12
This summer, whether on holiday, at home or carrying on as normal may we recognise and respond to that same whisper of God speaking softly into our hearts and lives. His wisdom will always lead us in the way we should go.
God’s peace, love and rest be with you all.
Rev Charles Burton
Published in the July 2026 edition of the Parish magazines.
You can order Parish magazines, which contain additional articles, by visiting All Saints or Christ Church
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