Bridlington

Some years ago (August 1997) on a day trip to Bridlington I was walking along the cliff top towards the village of Sewerby simply enjoying the day. My intention was to explore along the pathway as far as I could, and then walk back into the town, have a spot of lunch and then explore in the other direction toward the Marina. I looked down at the all the different grasses and the odd flower as I strolled, noticing the little white butterflies and the way they fluttered in and out of the grass stalks and flowers. I thought how nice it would be to see a large butterfly, one of those Red Admirals or a Painted Lady which were supposed to be numerous that year, according to news reports anyway. As I progressed along the cliff path I noticed a pathway between two houses and being curious thought I'd see if it led into the village. As I entered the alley I saw a Lavatera plant which had so many flowers on it that it bent over the fence, and some of the flowers touched the ground, rubbing in the dust in the light breeze. I felt sad that such beautiful flowers should be this way, but recognised that there was nothing I could do about it, short of knocking on the door of the house and saying to the owner, "Do you know that your flowers are rubbing in the dust". I walked on a little and noticed to my right a neatly trimmed Privet hedge. As I took a few more steps I heard a commotion of squabbling birds, one of which flew out of the hedge and landed on a post at the opposite side to my left. It was so intent on the trouble in the hedge that my presence was unnoticed. I stood still making the most of the opportunity to observe this beautiful little bird perched on the post less than a metre away. I could just make out it's feathers, but dared not move closer, in case I startled it. It stayed there for a couple of minutes moving from foot to foot and looking at the hedge with its head sometimes on one side and sometimes on the other, then it flew back into the hedge again to rejoin it's companions. As I moved on praising God for creating such a beautiful little bird I wondered if the bird had started the argument and then left the others to fight it out, only returning when the fuss died down a little. I carried on into the street and turned right deciding not to bother with the village, if there was one, which there seemed to be, (I'll have another look next time I'm in Bridlington). I carried on walking, noticing the well kept gardens and specially the Roses, praising God as I went. After walking a little further I came to the end of the road which seemed to peter out into a sort of farm type track (if my memory serves me well). A short distance and I was back on the cliff top again, after looking at the farm type buildings and surrounding land containing various animals including Llamas of course. I praised God for these Camel type Sheep and continued back the way I had come along the cliff path noticing out to sea some boats and what appeared to me to be a ship. At this point I became annoyed with my short sight, something that I was born with, because I could hear the sound of a Helicopter out at Sea. I could just about make it out though not clearly. I sat on a bench next to a couple who were sharing some binoculars between them and talking excitedly about the rescue. I couldn't make out what was happening and felt I would be intruding if I asked, so I got up and walked on asking, no telling God that I knew that He was well able to heal my eyesight if He chose to and I was fed up not being able to see properly specially the rescue out at Sea. It never crossed my mind that the other people around me needed Binoculars to see that far, oh no I should be able to see and that was that. However after a short while I sat on another bench, calmed down and said I was sorry. Who am I to rush into His presence making such demands and statements. I thanked Him for the eyesight I have and continued on my way knowing I was forgiven. I watched the people in the fairground part having fun and enjoying themselves in a noisy way, but I didn't feel the need to go on any of the rides or amusements, so I stood a while noting the stark difference between the cliff top and this part of Bridlington. I continued my walk and found myself in the fishing port part of town. I stayed a little while, observing the people who were there on Holiday and those who were working, and thinking about the Disciples who left their nets to follow Jesus, as I was leaving I bumped into some of the others in the group I had travelled with, and exchanged tales of where we had been, I moved on and waked onto the road towards the Marina. As I walked on the path to my left I saw a bush with silvery green leaves. and as I approached a leaf which was at shoulder height, a large Painted Lady Butterfly landed on it spreading it's wings as it did so. I studied it for a minute or more and I could get close enough to it to see it in all its beauty. I began to feel a bit embarrassed because it hardly moved it was as though time stood still. It didn't seem to mind being scrutinised so closely, and after I had looked at it for what seemed to be long enough. I turned and saw a lady watching me, I said "They don't normally land like that do they"? "No" she replied looking puzzled. I walked on my way leaving her standing looking at the Butterfly. I continued my walk praising God silently, because words could not describe how I felt, and anyway they didn't seem appropriate at the time. Of course I've praised Him loudly since and continue to do so, as I hope you will for the things He does in your life. Copyright Jack Brown © 1997 >>>>>