|
Viewpoint from Rev Matthew Price 18/07/2025
 Rev Matthew Price is Vicar of St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston
Bishop’s Adviser for Urban and Estates Ministry
By mid-July, our seaside towns and villages begin to hum with summer life. Deckchairs are dusted off, chip shops queue out the door, and sandy footprints lead from the beach to the bus stop. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there's something about the coast that makes people pause—even if just for a moment
Maybe it's the sound of the waves or the way time seems to slow when the tide comes in. For many, this is a season of rest, a break from routine, a chance to breathe
But for some, that breathing space can bring questions. Quiet moments often do. Is life turning out the way I hoped? Why do I still feel tired, even here? Is there more to all this than I’ve yet discovered?
 As a Christian, I believe those questions aren’t just passing thoughts. They’re echoes of something deeper—a longing for meaning, for connection, for hope. They’re not distractions. They’re signals—hints that we were made for something more than just getting through the week, chasing success, or keeping up appearances
Jesus often taught by the sea. He knew that the shoreline is where people slow down enough to listen. And his message was simple: You are not alone. Your story matters. And there is a God who sees, knows, and loves you - even in the messiest, most uncertain chapters of your life
That’s the heartbeat of the Christian faith. Not that we have all the answers, but that we’re invited into a bigger story. One where grace is real. One where hope is alive. One where even tired, tangled lives can be gently restored
So if you find yourself gazing out at the horizon this summer—whether you’re watching seagulls wheel overhead or digging for shells with your children—take a moment. Let the hush of the sea speak
And if questions come, don’t rush past them. Maybe, just maybe, they’re pointing you towards something - or someone - bigger
Because the good news is: the story isn’t finished. And the God who walked the shorelines of Galilee still walks alongside us today, right here in our towns and villages by the sea
The views carried here are those of the author, not of Network Yarmouth, and are intended to stimulate constructive and good-natured debate between website users
These views are personal ones and are intended to stimulate constructive debate amongst website users. We welcome your thoughts and comments, posted at the bottom of the relevant article. We would ask you to abide by our forum rules and may delete any comments which do not
We welcome your thoughts and comments, posted below, upon the ideas expressed here
Click here to read our forum and comment posting guidelines
|
|
|
|
