The Watchtower opened its doors on 15 May this year. At some point in the early hours of the morning it passed 10,000 ‘hits’. As we have reached successive milestones I have thanked you, my readers, but as we reach this milestone I want not only to renew those thanks, but to say that for me you have become much more than just readers – this has become a community, and we are fellow pilgrims on the journey of Faith.

As I work through the post I am putting up later on our recent discussions, I see that community develop here, and as pilgrims do, we share our experiences and thoughts, and we do so in an atmosphere of mutual love and respect. On the banner at the top of the blog I put the words of 1 John 3:34, but now, here, can put verse 35 too:

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

Whatever we might think ‘essential’, the outward and visible sign here is of that inward Grace Our Lords gave us all – and I want to thank you all for your kindness, encouragement, and for the wisdom you so generously share.

As I said to a dear friend yesterday, I am the handmaiden of the Watchtower and it is its visitors who make it what it has become – an oasis where Christians in the desert may meet and share their love of Christ. So it seems right and proper to say a heartfelt thank you to my fellow pilgrims – as the light breaks over the desert monastery.