Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:28-30 New King James Version
As we move into the final week of Lent before Holy week, I’d like to encourage you to remember a person or group of people, specifically, in thanksgiving, each day this week.
As we mark one full week of lockdown today, most of us will feel it has been a lot longer than a week and are acutely aware of things we have missed during that time. Family meals, visits to friends and relatives, holidays, anniversaries, weddings and even sadly, funerals, where it’s not possible at the moment for loved ones to gather together. Yes, we are missing the things we would normally be doing and the people we would usually be doing them with.
Today is my birthday, and whilst it’s not a big one (!), I can’t remember a time when I’ve spent it alone without seeing my family or friends. I will miss that. However, in the midst of this very different and unique period in our lifetimes, I want to make sure I don’t miss other things. Thoughtful family and friends are a blessing, extra phonecalls, texts and video calls and hearing from people who are taking time to think of you and remember you is a gift. There’s also the gift of hearing the birds more clearly with the reduced traffic sound. And specifically today I’m thankful for the gift of the post – yes, “snail mail” as we have come to call it – how grateful we are for the posties these days! A card came for me at the weekend (not to be opened until today) and on the back of the envelope it said “Royal Mail – thank you for getting this card to my friend, stay safe 😊). Let’s not miss the Royal Mail staff in our thoughts and prayers; today I offer them a special mention in Thought for the Day.
Consider all the things you might easily miss right now. Consider the lilies……it’s also important not to miss the rhythm of nature that doesn’t alter because of this virus, look at how green and beautiful the landscape or your garden is in the sunlight of spring. The word “lent” comes from the word “lengthen” – this is the season of the lengthening of days; more hours of day light, more energy, more new life, more to discover and enjoy through the eyes and ears of faith.
Prayer for today – a blessing sent by a friend
A Blessing for you
May your day be blessed
with happiness and peace of mind.
May you be free of all burdens
And know that you are completely cared for.
Let angels light your way with grace
And have a beautiful, awesome day! Amen
