The Holy Spirit in Creation

One hot August bank holiday in the 1950's a companion and I set off to hike across the North Yorkshire Moors from Middlesborough to Whitby. This was a bit foolish as I was used to cycling. However my friend didn't have a bike and I really wanted to show him the beauty that existed outside of the city. However we soon got very hot and tired. Fortunately after many miles we came across a lone pub, outside of which was a bus stop. Not long afterwards a bus came along, so with much relief we finished our journey in comfort. However most of the day was gone and it was towards evening. We had something to eat and then climbed the 199 steps to the cliff top where St Mary's church, Whitby Abbey and the youth hostel were situated. By now it was the cool of the evening, we sat on the cliffs near the Abbey looking out to sea. The moon had risen silvering the sea below us, it was so calm that there was hardly a swell and it was breathtakingly beautiful. As we sat in silence it seemed as though something (Totally Other) was present,piercing through the beauty of the seascape. I looked at my friend and saw that he was awestruck. We said nothing to each other but sat for a while in silence until I said to him " I need to go to the hostel now before they close for the night" We never discussed the experience although I never forgot it.  At a later date when I was much more mature I discovered  a sonnet by William Wordsworth the lines of which expressed what I could not express myself not being a genius like him.

"It is a Beauteous Evening"

It is a beauteous evening calm and free.

The holy time is quiet as a Nun

Breathless with adoration; the broad sun

Is sinking down in its tranquillity;

The gentleness of  Heaven broods o'er the sea;

Listen! The mighty Being is awake,

And with his eternal motion makes

A sound like thunder--everlastingly,

Dear child! Dear Girl! That walkest with me here,

If thou appear untouched by solemn thought,

Thy nature is not therefore less divine;

Though liest in Abraham's bosom all the year,

And worships't at  the Temples inner shrine,

God being with thee when we know it not.