I have mentioned previously the delightful book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, by Charlie Mackesy and I know too that some of you have this children's book and value it enormously. Charlie Mackesy, the author and illustrator, is a talented person in many fields and acutely in touch with people and through the various lockdowns he has seen how they have managed or struggled. How peoples health is, the increase in mental health issues and the daily struggles, often minor on their own, that people have to face.
Charlie was born in Northumberland and has travelled and exhibited widely in Britain and abroad. The work on The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, has totally taken over his life and he is totally absorbed with it and still is. It is his life's journey now.
He thinks G. K. Chesterton sums it all up well:
“At the back of our brains, so to speak, there was a forgotten blaze or burst of astonishment at our own existence. The object of the artistic and spiritual life was to dig for this submerged sunrise of wonder.”
In the community where Charlie lives presently, he places pen and ink drawings and inspiration sayings regularly on lamp posts, fences etc so as to encouraged the locals through this time of pandemic. This is warmly received and has indeed helped people, giving them something to focus upon and through an almost spiritual experience enables others to discover God in everything, though not outwardly saying this. He is presently being supported by his many followers, after his dear partner's Anne death earlier in the month. His thinking is for adults and children alike and wants to try and reach out in a way that might help and encourage others.
It has made me think how are we encouraging others at the moment? For me personally, the comments, phone calls and emails are a tremendous source of encouragement with the daily musings of the blog. How do you encourage others, say your local pharmacy staff, doctors or fish and chip shop, what about the milk person or post, or even neighbours and friends? What do you do? For we can all try and care and support others in whatever way that seems appropriate for you. Our encouraging shouldn't stem from a selfish need, but part of our giving to others, for serving as Christ would serve. There will always be the lonely person who doesn't see a human face in the week, except via t.v. or the young girl who is struggling to deliver home schooling as it touches on her "uncertains" or boy who doesn't know where to turn to next. This act of service, could be part of our Lenten journey or indeed our every day journey through life. Our being a brother or sister to others both on our doorsteps, communities or worldwide.