On the pilgrim way: ‘I found myself in good spirits’

01/04/2019 | Reform

Sheila Maxey feels her spirits rising

I usually find February a difficult, even depressing month, but this year, towards the end of February, I found myself in good spirits. Why? The weather in Essex has been so kind this year. … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘My perspective is not necessarily God’s’

22/02/2019 | Reform

Sheila Maxey learns two sharp lessons

I have recently had two sharp lessons. They taught me that my perspective is not necessarily the right one, or God’s.

First, there was E – a feisty old lady (probably my age!) who … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘When I get anxious, I think of Agnes’

25/01/2019 | Reform

Sheila Maxey looks ahead, inspired by Agnes

‘Out with the old and in with the new!’ we used to say, cheerfully and loudly, on Hogmanay, at midnight, when I was a child. We would shoo the old year out at … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘It is a bittersweet time’

27/11/2018 | Reform

Sheila Maxey sees grief and new birth

Since our granddaughter, Ciara, committed suicide two months ago, I have phoned her father – our son, Peter – most days. As I listen, I hear the healing power of the everyday: Ikea … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘Grief has cut us to the heart’

30/10/2018 | Reform

Sheila Maxey grieves a terrible family tragedy

On 28 August, our 24-year-old granddaughter, Ciara, took her own life. It was a deliberate act, not a cry for help.

Our son, Peter, had long been separated from Donna, Ciara’s mother, and … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘Shetland’s beauty is sheer gift’

01/10/2018 | Reform

Sheila Maxey discovers Shetland’s gifts

We are on the Shetland islands. Our holiday house looks down a voe (small bay/creek) past a little pier, through the gap in the bare hills to further shores or islands. The sun sets in … Read More