On the pilgrim way: ‘I want to resist conclusions about prayer’

01/07/2019 | Reform

Sheila Maxey tries to describe – and not analyse – prayer

I am very hesitant to speak, let alone write about prayer. It is so easy, as mere mortals, to find ourselves, in our heavy-footed way, analysing, quantifying, drawing conclusions … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘Family dynamics give me food for thought’

28/05/2019 | Reform

Sheila Maxey enjoys a first family holiday

For the very first time, we have been on holiday with our daughter, Ruth, her husband, Dave, and their children – Tom (20), Sam (19) and Hannah, who had her 14th birthday on … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘Thank God for long-lasting friendship’

29/04/2019 | Reform

Sheila Maxey gives thanks for long-lasting friendship

Long-lasting friendship is a great blessing. I have coffee nearly every week with a friend I met 50 years ago through our children. We talk about the books we are reading, our ailments … Read More

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