Thought for the Week

For many in our community, these past few weeks have been a difficult time.

There are many heavy hearts surrounding us. I have felt this very much this week, and am aware of the impact this has on those we share our lives with, at home, in our schools, in our workplaces and in our social gatherings.

However, what I have also been aware of is the immense care and support for each other that happen in these times of need, when we are feeling most vulnerable.

There is a real sense of togetherness, of the right people being in the right place at the right time to offer the care and support needed, or even just to provide a listening ear.

An encouragement to the people around us is just to be kind.

We read in book of Philippians, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”.

The interests of others ought to be our interests too.

Certainly we look out for ourselves but how can we turn a blind eye when others have needs.

In our generosity God gives back what we let pass through our hands, and when we care and share, God will return this to us also.

With us celebrating Valentine’s Day this week, we can focus on the love that we have for those around us.

May we be a people who remain open eyed to see and open hearted to feel, with ears open to listening and with open hands to both give and receive of God’s great love.