As the days grow shorter and mist gathers around the fells, we become more aware of our need for shelter, warmth and rest. Here at Rydal Hall, surrounded by the changing landscape of the Lake District, we remember that sometimes we need to stop striving. Instead, we can simply allow ourselves to be held.
The Sheepfold in Scripture
In John 10, Jesus speaks of the sheepfold:
“The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice.” (John 10:2–3, NIV)
In the ancient Middle East, sheepfolds were often simple stone enclosures. They offered protection from danger and a place for sheep to gather at night. In villages, a shared sheepfold could shelter the flocks of several shepherds, with a gatekeeper watching over them. So the sheepfold was a place of safety and belonging. However, it was not a permanent home, because the sheep would leave to find pasture.
Jesus says, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture” (John 10:9, NIV). Here we find a beautiful rhythm of shelter and freedom: first receiving care, and then venturing out again.
Rydal Hall: A Sheepfold in the Fells
In many ways, Rydal Hall is a little like a sheepfold. The surrounding hills gather us into their embrace, and the gardens, paths and quiet spaces invite us to pause. We might arrive carrying questions, weariness, grief or hope. Yet Rydal Hall holds us and offers room simply to be.
The community here also holds us, through conversations, worship and prayer. When others hold us in prayer, they bring our lives before God, even when we cannot find the words ourselves.
So, as winter approaches, may Rydal be a place where we discover the grace of being held by the landscape, by one another, and by Christ, the Good Shepherd, who knows us by name.
A Prayer for the Season
Good Shepherd, shelter us in our weariness, hold us in your love, and teach us to care for one another. As the days grow darker, remind us that we belong to you and never journey alone. Amen.
