Impermanence

King Henry Vlll resented Bolton Abbey – and burned it down.
He was afraid that it would become a place of opposition to his rule. It was independently wealthy, and supported many any people in the region. And he wanted the people to depend on the King’s charity – so that he could consolidate his power.
But despite the destroyed building, its community continued to worship. Today there is a plaque to commemorate 850 years of continuous worship on this site.

Who would have thought this when the Abbey was burning!

The Buddhists speak of the impermanence of everything in life: the rulers shall pass away, the buildings will decay, and the plans will become history. Our power as worshipping Christian communities is not vested in our buildings, or our connections to the rich and powerful, or our capacity to plan for the future. The only power we have lies in our capacity to let go; to renounce; to give up. When we are able to give up control, we have power over our fear; when we choose not to accumulate, we have the power to appreciate what we have; when we opt for humility, we deny power to the arrogant and proud; and when we choose to be peaceful we gain the power of love.

And all these are available when we allow the Spirit of Jesus into our dreams, our living, and our dying.