Dear Friends
This week’s readings focus on the
Kingdom of God.Two of today’s Kingdom parables have growing images, the tiny
mustard seeds become great trees, the dough added to the flour grows and
increases to make the loaf. But they are also waiting images, the dough
of course rises far quicker than the tree grows, but patience is still
required. Throughout lockdown we have been waiting for life to return to
normal. It has taught us patience and allowed us time to pause and
reflect.
We have learnt what is important in life
and now we ask God to show us how to use that wisdom as the world gradually
unlocks.Wisdom is a great gift.
In the story of Solomon, we have a young
man used to a privileged lifestyle who could have requested anything he wanted,
yet when God says ‘Ask what I should give you’, Solomon asks not for wealth, or
privilege but for wisdom. God is pleased with Solomon’s reply. And
because Solomon had not requested riches or some other selfish gain, God
blessed Solomon as a ruler.
Wisdom is something that we can’t learn
from a text book, we can’t buy in a shop, more often than not wisdom is gained
over many years of careful consideration of the situations around us. Wisdom is gained by the ability to see to the heart of the matter and to
discern a way forward.
A wise old owl
sat on an oak,
The more he saw
the less he spoke;
The less he
spoke the more he heard;
Why aren’t we
like that wise old bird?
Written by
Edward Henry Richards
We are now in the ‘new normal’, things
aren’t quite the same but we are grateful for every step forward. As life picks up once again may we take the time to pause, to seek God, to know
that he walks with us every step of the way. God knows the prayers of
hearts and he hears us when we call.
Continue to take care and stay safe.
With Every Blessing…Val