Easter Sunday

Was great to be able to get a lift to church on Easter Sunday.  I could hear the C of E church bells pealing away up the road, such an English thing. You don't hear them much in Aus maybe 'cause bell towers aren't part of the modern architecture any more.  Anyway we went off in a different direction to a Pentecostal church that meets in a school hall.  No organs here.....The young band got up to play, the lead guitarist struck a chord, the drums rolled and up came the words on the large screen....'When I survey the wondrous Cross'...words written in the 17th or 18th century!  The people stood up and we went full belt into that beautiful hymn.


One of the reasons I left the mainline churches was because I half fell asleep through some of those old dirgey hymns so it was really refreshing to see and hear these bright, joyful young people singing a dearly loved hymn so full heartedly.  Still feeling out of my tree a bit, being so far from home and full of anticipation as my pilgrimage looms even nearer (four weeks to go), tears steamed down my face as we sang through the verses.  It will be good to remember the words each day on the Camino to remind me of the cost of God's love.


When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

Forbid it Lord that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His blood

See from His head His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ere such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul
My life my all