If a holiday cottage could write, it would fill many a book.
Visitors come and go and the cottage is woven into the tapestry of life. More often than not, the cottage forms the centrepiece of the annual holiday highlight. It offers four walls of protection from the hustle and bustle of the daily slog, a much-needed haven. Depending on its setting, it will also serve as a door into another world, a world of beauty and escape.
David McKie and his wife, Gill, know this very well. David has found himself in one or the other cottage in the Lake District at least once a year since he was six weeks old. He has always associated the Lakes with a place of peace and refreshment. In fact, he says: ‘It is unique. There is nothing like it. It is irreplaceable to me and I would not want to miss coming here. When I am here, I feel closer to God.’
‘Join us for the summer’
For the last 15 years, David and the McKie family have rented large homes in the Lake District and invited people to join them for the summer; because, whatever life throws our way, this beautiful corner of the world revitalises each of us.
Every summer is different. The McKies cater for an eclectic mix of up to 20 people of all generations from their church. David and Gill put together a suggested plan for the day, which will include time at the Keswick Convention and then an afternoon of hiking, time by Derwent Water, cycling through Whinlatter or an outing to one of the many cafés in Keswick and beyond. There is something for everyone.
David explains: ‘Over the span of 50 years at the Keswick Convention, I have only missed two summers. My parents took me here and their parents before them. We now bring our own two boys. Coming up here is part and parcel of who I am and we have returned at other times of the year. I love the Lakes and would not want to miss the combination of being spiritually refreshed at the Convention while enjoying this most gorgeous landscape. As we watch our friends during their time here, we can see their demeanour change and a renewed sense of hope return. It is wonderful to see.’
Spiritual transformation
One story that particularly stands out to David is that of a young mother who struggled as a result of a very difficult home life. The first time she came to Keswick her walk was burdened, her heart clearly heavy. Then, within a couple of days, hearing the Word of God and stepping out into God’s beautiful creation made all the difference. The spiritual transformation in her life was practically tangible. The Lord had lifted her burden. While her home life did not improve much, she returned with renewed hope and courage to face each day.
Mission comes in all shapes and expressions. Wherever we are, wherever God takes us, we are presented with opportunities to reach out.
Mission might take us to far-away places. Equally it might mean that we take others to join us on holiday to experience the life-changing power of the Word of God and the soothing whisper of his creation.
