Life, a precious gift

Suva

Life is a precious gift.

The global pandemic has meant a rapidly changing way of life for many of us.

We have a new language, new behaviour, new plans. There is panic and perplexity as we grapple with the new situation each day presents.

There are many challenges, but opportunity too to see our family, our friends and neighbours in a new light.

When life is threatened, perhaps we are being led to treasure our life and the life of others in a deeper way.

Life is an amazing gift. For people of faith, life is God’s amazing gift for each one.

Life is given to be protected and nurtured. It is not to be taken for granted or undermined carelessly.

Life is to be shared together and can only be shared fully as we are aware of one another in our interactions.

At this time we are called to practise socialdistancing, to wash hands, and to observe other restrictions.

By obeying restrictions, we honour ourselves and others, we give respectful space in order to save lives, we treasure our homes, we preserve and honour the precious gift of life in ourselves and others.

Respectfulness of others is part of life in Fiji. We need to be respectful at this time. As we struggle with hardships, may our respect for human life grow and our reverence for all creation.

May our love deepen for those around. May we pray for those in leadership positions: those whom we see regularly in media-the

Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, the Police Commissioner and others.

We give thanks for the medical profession and for many who are caring courageously for others.

We give thanks for life itself. We are created to be caring, life-giving people in the opportunities presented each day. We give thanks for the God of life who is with us in this situation and who leads forward into a new future.