Decluttering life.

Every semester Belfast Bible College takes a day off classes for a 'Quiet day,' which probably tells you a lot in itself about the college ethos.  So today fellowship groups piled in cars to head out to the zoo, surfing, monasteries, Dublin...all over.  My group set out for the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.

And may I say, today has been one of the best days of my time here. The museum was great, the company even better.  Never underestimate the power of an intentional day off...a Sabbath of your education.

The museum recreated an old village that you were free to wander around and experience how life would have been.  Each of us were struck by the beauty of the simplicity; small houses, few possessions, only home-made entertainment.  How strikingly different to the clutter of our lives and homes.  How far our schedules waver from following daylight hours and working with our hands.  How far apart bigger houses can drive family and social media can drive community.  Are we not at danger of cluttering our lives to the point of loneliness?

It was a fun and leisurely day of learning about the past as well as a time of fellowship, laughter and great conversations.  How refreshing it is to relax into casual yet deep discussions on everything from marriage to war and poverty with like-minded people.

And then in the evening I get the privilege to have somebody take me to a hill to wonder at the stars together and quietly contemplate the happenings of the day.

So there is a peek into a fantastically ordinary but lovely day, whilst I warm up with a hot chocolate and reflect on the lessons to be learnt.