Thought for the week – from the Rev. David Jones

Dwelling on the past without being anchored solidly in the present can have a negative effect on our lives. The Welsh word ‘hiraeth’ is best described as a mixture of nostalgia or even yearning for a way of life now long gone. I must admit of such a feeling when on social media I came across photos and videos of two Llanelli buildings which in their time were central in our community. The photos of the now closed Llanelli Leisure Centre included the now drained swimming pool, the café area, the changing rooms with memories of good and happy days. On the opening day with many other children we joyfully jumped into the pool as soon as the mayor cut the ribbon. Regular visits followed – with no more journeys to the pool in Swansea – now we had a better pool all of our own! Then some photos of the long abandoned ‘Odeon’ cinema appeared. Rusting projectors, upturned seating and film memorabilia scattered in the gloom were a sad sight. How far removed from the prestigious J Arthur Rank Cinema with its 1930 décor and large auditorium where generations of cinema goers were transported to the glamour of Hollywood and British classics such as ‘A night to Remember’ and The Bridge on the Rover Quai’. ‘South Pacific’ had its Welsh premiere in Llanelli with exotic Hawaiian Dancers in the foyer. Then there were the Saturday morning shows with the weekly serial that had you coming back every week. Two buildings now well passed their sell by date! I must stop now – far too much hiraeth!
Looking back, especially when events occur that bring back such memories is no bad thing. I suppose there’s also a touch of nostalgia when such recollections of happy days and friendships are called to mind. It’s the same in life, we sometimes look back with fondness, then again, we may not want to go there because the memories may be just too painful. Looking back and learning from the experiences of the past can be of great benefit, staying there and letting the past intimidate and control the present can have a stifling effect. In gratitude to God for his faithfulness we can treasure all the good of the past, live in the present and be confident for the future because God will be with us each step of the way.

Rev.David Jones