Friendship

How many friends do you have?  I have lots of friends and acquaintances, but truly, friends that when you pick up the phone, it is as though you just spoke to them yesterday; and you fall back into the easy way of being with each other.   I have some 'old' friends, who, when I am with them I am able to say anything knowing that they do not judge me and will be there if I need help or advice.  Old friends may not be in touch for a while, but they are still in the background, in the back of your mind, supporting you as you support them.  

Since lockdown, these friends have become more important because we are not out and about doing our usual things, but needing that sustenance of friendship to keep us going.  These phone calls have become so much more important and make me realise that they must not be taken lightly.

Jesus Lord,

We thank you for our friendships, for those that we have known for a long time, and for newer friends who will become dear friends as time goes by.  We thank you for the fellowship of our church families and our other contacts through social media who keep us in touch with the world even though physically this is impossible at present.

Bless and keep Lord those important people in our lives and make us the good friends that they deserve.

Amen.

 

Busy Busy Busy

I am busy writing a 'to do' list, and it seems to be getting longer and longer.  I have my usual anchors in the week, such as Sunday Service via the internet, getting our shopping delivered, batch cooking and the ever-present cleaning chores, but the list includes meetings, reports, activities for a Mothering Sunday service and so on.  

This week my list includes making cards for our Praying Fellowship, the ladies of the Mothers' Union who cannot get to church or meetings because of age or frailty.  This is something that happens about three or four times a year.  Along with the card, they get a letter with news of the things going on in the branches, as well as a prayer diary and updates from our president or our diocesan chaplain.  This is not a chore, but it is something that takes quite a lot of time and has some real thought put into it.  These ladies (no gentlemen at present) are so important to our MU, and they, I feel are the backbone of our work, uplifting us with their prayers.

Today I am asking you to help me uphold the Praying Fellowship with our prayers.

Father God, be with the faithful followers of the Mothers' Union who are unable to work physically for your kingdom, but through their prayers, they act as a conduit for our actions.  They strengthen us knowing that they add to the wave of prayer and pray specifically for things that are on our agenda.  Father be with those who are lonely and unable to see friends and family.  Be with those who are dependent on others to live their lives because of physical problems.  Bless and keep all helpers and carers who are so important in looking after our ladies.

We ask these things in the names of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

 

Fair Trade

All this week in the Mothers' Union 'Wave of Prayer' the prayers have centred and concentrated on fair trade issues.  In the circumstances we find ourselves at present, poverty has been highlighted around the world, but also in our own back yard.  More people than ever are relying on food banks to ensure that they and their children are fed.  The government has had to address the problems of people not able to work, on furlough, or who have simply lost their jobs because of this pandemic.  They need help and it falls to all of us to consider what we can do.

Fair Trade is one of the ways that we can help people overseas to get a fair price for the produce and things that they make to sell on the world markets.  Many of our supermarkets now have fair trade products on sale, and when we make our choices we are deciding whether or not to help these farmers and producers to get a living wage for their work.

Other ways we can help is by donating to our local food banks.  Many of our stores have a basket waiting for donations, and often has a list of things needed, whether it be food basics or toiletries.  This is an easy way of helping.  Just add some things to your usual shopping and as you leave the store, put them into the basket.

The other way we can help is to pray.  We pray for governments and big businesses to rethink their ideas about supporting the people who most need our help, and through prayer (such as the MU Wave of Prayer) we can join our voices with people world wide to highlight this issue and bring it to the forefront of our thoughts.  

Prayer and Action.  Prayer is so important, but Jesus urges us to back up our prayers with action.  Be that person who looks for the 'fair trade' area in the supermarket and makes good choices.  Be that person who gets those extra packs of pasta, or tins of vegetables to give to the food bank.  Be that person who talks to others about the issues, maybe people who have not thought about spending in a way that is beneficial to those who the help.

Jesus, Help us to be 'that person.'

Amen.

 

After watching news programs where Boris Johnson outlined his proposal for our freedom day, people on social media are talking about lots of different experiences that they have missed over this past year.  Some can't wait to go to a restaurant with friends and have a sociable meal, or go to the pub or a holiday.  Businesses are desperate for things to open again so that our economic life can resume and hopefully save jobs.  Some are looking forward to being able to go to the gym although this is not my idea of fun, good for them I say.

I just want hugs.  I want to hug my family, to take my daughter and granddaughters in my arms and hold them close, cling to them, and shower all my love onto them.   I want to meet friends, and reach out to them and kiss their cheeks as we used to, without that gnawing worry that something dreadful might happen if I let down my guard.  I want to go to church again and sing at the top of my voice with joy.

Will normal ever be normal again?  Perhaps not, but united families are and must be a priority in my book.  Being apart from them is like a physical ache, and although we have social media, zoom, facetime, it is not the same.  

Let's be sensible.  We don't want to have to do this again.  We want this to be the last lockdown, so we must adhere to the rules.  They are not there to imprison us, they are there to keep us safe.  

Help us to understand the importance of obeying the rules so that we can get back to a new normal and beat this virus once and for all.  No more gatherings on the beach, or house parties, or raves, or people just ignoring regulations because they think they are not for them.

Father God,

Be with us at this worrying time.  Help us to help others by being sensible and reaching out in ways that are safe until we are told otherwise.  Father, may we use this time wisely, studying for lent and remembering that our Saviour Jesus Christ was tempted, but be turned his back on temptation, as we must do.

We ask these things in the name of our Saviour,

Amen.

 

This morning the sky was so beautiful, that I had to go outside and take a photograph.  Also, more little flowers had burst through the grass during the night, and it made me happy to see spring travelling steadily towards us.  It was very early and I am hoping that no one saw me because in my excitement I forgot that I was in my pyjamas.

I have downloaded a lent help sheet called 40 acts.  Each act gives and idea of what to do that day to bring us closer to God and observe Lent through simple acts of kindness.  Today it urges me to 'send someone a message to let them know I am thinking about them.'  I pass this on to each and everyone reading this to do the same, as I send you my very best wishes, and please know that I am thinking about you and praying for you.

Join me:

Father in heaven.  in this difficult situation, where many people are shielding or unable to go out and about, help us to find fellowship through other means.  Help us to think of those in similar situations that need to know that 'someone' is reaching out to them.

Amen.  

Through the eyes of a child

Under the old trees at the front of our house, these gentle flowers lift their heads above the ground and brighten our day with their colour and form.  This brightness in the dark days of winter and the beginning of Lent gives us hope that things are becoming 'normal' again.  We see the wheel of the year turning, bringing new life to nature that has paused for a while, waiting for the sun, the lighter mornings and the warmer days to come.

Father God,

Be with us as we notice the spring flowers, the birds that come to our gardens, the wildlife  that wanders through our shared space.  Help us to care for your creatures and wildlife as part of our lenten duties, and throughout the coming year.  

Be with us as we strive to become closer to You through prayer and study, keenly feeling the sacrifice that you have made for us all.

We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

All things bright and beautiful

When I woke up this morning, this children's hymn was going around my head, and I found myself humming and singing it for hours afterward.  There is a name for a song or tune that gets stuck in your thoughts, but I can't think what it is called.   Mostly, they are annoying and can drive you potty trying to rid yourself of it, but this one certainly did not have that effect.

This hymn has always been a source of joy.  I remember it from childhood, singing in Sunday School or assembly.  I remember (being Welsh) singing out with such gusto, raising the roof, singing with a smile on my face because of the pictures in my head from the words of the song.

Sometimes as we grow older, that joy can be overtaken by everyday problems and worries.  The colours of the world can lose that brightness, and our lightness of heart can become heavy.  

I am drawn to look out of the window and see the birds, the flowers, the bright sky and let them lift my heart, remembering that Jesus drew the children to him.   We can regain that awe and wonder by looking through the eyes of children and seeing what they see.

When I was teaching in a school for special needs children, this was one of our favourite hymns, and the children sang with great enthusiasm which sometimes overshadowed the tune, and some of the children could not even talk or sing.  This was not a barrier to joining in.  Our 'signing' choir used 'sign language' to be part of the singing, and watching them all perform together was like watching a ballet.  The faces of the children showed the joy of God's love, and shone through their eyes, faces, smiles, body language.  They embraced every part of the experience with wonder.

This is going to be part of my Lent journey.  I am going to look in wonder at the ordinary things and find God's hand in each and every flower, leaf, bird, feather and sunbeam.

How about you.  Join me.

Father in heaven,

we are your children and are so grateful for the love you have given us.   Help us to reach out to others and share your love with them, through our prayers, our works and the way we live our lives.

Amen.