Pat feels he’s a really happy man.

September 28, 2018
9:41 am

“Pat feels he’s a really happy man.”

It was reported yesterday that the author of Postman Pat, John Cunliffe has passed away. I remember as a child in the 1980s watching with fondness the adventures of Pat Clifton, a postman in the fictional village of Greendale (inspired by the real valley of Longsleddale near Kendal)

The theme tune of the series speaks of Pat’s happiness as he drives around in his little red van delivering letters through people’s doors.

Now you may think I have gone ‘ snooker, loopy nuts’ ( to quote a line from the famous Chas and Dave duo, sadly Chas also passed away this week) writing a contemplation about Postman Pat, but bear with me!

This week has been unusual, as I have spent a lot of time outside the parish. On Monday I had the privilege of going to a workplace and asking for God’s blessing on a new business venture and office space. On Thursday I spent the day with clergy from the Liverpool Diocese on a study day at Liverpool Hope University. On both days I was struck by how happy people were in their jobs or what I like to call vocations. Being happy in our everyday lives, I am sure you will agree, is so important and yet I wonder if we were asked the question “Are you happy, content in your life/job?” How many of us could honestly answer, “I am”.

Over the last month the Church of England has launched a new initiative asking the question, “Where is God during our daily lives?”

To help explore this question personal stories are being shared on social media and the C of E website .Click below to take a look https://www.churchofengland.org/everydayfaith

The Bible tells us that God is interested in every area of our lives, however big or small. “all things were created. … And in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17). It also means we can bring even the smallest concern to Him in prayer, knowing that He cares about us and watches over us. We read in Jeremiah 29:11 that God has a plan for our lives, “ plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Choosing to believe in the promises of God can lead to a different kind of happiness, a different state of mind, one of peace and contentment. If today you want to ask God to be part of your everyday life and know His promises for you why not get in touch with us? As you begin to understand a different perspective maybe you will be able to say this sentence “Insert your name – feels he/she is a really happy man/woman”.

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I was sat on the top of Clieves Hill eating a jar of chilli pickles with my sister, discussing how stressful my life was, how unhappy I was with my financial situation and trying to be the perfect Mum. I was looking for work and trying to fight my son’s corner who was being bullied in secondary school. I was feeling very alone, worse than I have felt in a long time. Things had now got the better of me and I was starting to crumble big time and my marriage was falling apart. My sister had just completed the Alpha Course and she told me how it had changed her life. She was eager to share her story and convinced me that the Alpha Course would be spiritually beneficial to me and my family. I agreed with my sister and suggested to my husband that the Alpha Course could be beneficial to both of us. He agreed and my sister kindly baby sat for us. My sister, my rock: I believe that God was working through her that night. My husband and I decided to give our marriage one last go. The Alpha Course has helped me to become more spiritually aware. It has saved my marriage and I have allowed Jesus to become part of my everyday thoughts and prayers since doing the Alpha course.”

“I decided to do the Alpha Course this January. My wife suggested that we experience it together. I had nothing to lose as I was continuously angry with my circumstances and always stressed over the little things. My family life and marriage were under strain, so I thought I would give it one last go. I knew a few of my family members had done the Alpha Course and I had heard good things about it. I had also noticed the changes in their lives. I went to the meetings, had a meal with my wife and made new friends, something I hadn’t done in a long time due to the unsociable working commitments as a chef. During our meetings we had discussions about God and Christianity and what it really meant to me. My relationship with God was growing and I prayed and thanked him more. I noticed things starting to change, I have become more humble and less stressed over the little things. I have become slow to anger and faster in understanding others. My pace has slowed down and my family has noticed the changes in me. I now feel an inner peace within myself. My circumstances are changing and I have learned to trust God, I have passed the control to him. My marriage and my family life is no longer under strain.”