My journey today on foot has taken me from Homerton to Hoxton through Broadway market to London Fields then onto Hackney Central and Victoria Park village and park.

In East London the atmosphere,landscape and architecture change from step to step , glance to gaze.

High rise towers give way to Victorian villas to building sites advertising more luxury apartments for sale with 3 for social housing replacing 60 social housing units.

Dust clouds rise from the hoardings,having demolished a corner of 19th century history to create 21st century living spaces.

The East London train line rushes along overhead as I turn into Geffrye Street and pass Hoxton station.

The artisan danish bakery has a short queue forming just across the road to the art workshop I’m attending today which is run by a housing association for vulnerable people.

I arrive with time to spare and ascend the worn wooden staircase to the upper workshop room which has been standing for at least a century.

As I take a seat and gaze out of the window I see the orange flicker of the Train arriving at Hoxton station in my peripheral vision reminding me of the layers of historyI’m surrounded by and consider how many have gone before me in this jewel of an area.

The Geffreye museum flanks our premises displaying the history of how our home interiors have developed over several centuries and the sweet fragrance of their herb garden wafts along the tiny back lane to our workshop.

Last week a young man the same age as my son came along to the workshop, he had learning difficulties and some health problems which sadly,we learn took his life in the last few days.

As we receive the news of his passing we are stunned into silence. A group of well over fifty – almost sixty year olds showing the signs of wear and tear in our bodies and minds but still eager to create and learn!

We all sit there and digest the news and we remind ourselves that life is a journey to be appreciated, enjoyed and valued.

The young mans life was cut short, very short, his journey was over quickly.

We who are left here on planet earth trying to make sense of it all, trying to find peace and purpose, value and meaning can make a choice.

Which way do we go?

Have you considered your destiny?

My journey isn’t over yet, thankfully,but I’m reminded of those who have gone ahead of us already this year…..perhaps it’s time to decide?

Call it heaven, call it hell, call it life’s end, Nirvana,endless space, a place of rest, whatever it may be to you believe it with all your heart and buy your ticket now, as you may never know when your journey will come to an end , hopefully not for a long while yet but preparation is everything in hearts, souls and minds.

As for me, I decided a long while ago that I would trust Jesus for my ticket and he paid for it for me and I have a reservation…..how about you ? make your reservation before it’s too late and the train leaves without you!

From one pearl to another

Live long and prosper xxxx

Rev. Samson Muvunyi

Went to heaven July2017