WORD OF THE WEEK
WE do like to talk about the weather in England; it is a safe topic. There are certainly a lot of other topics that could wind us up – Brexit, lockdown, vaccines for Covid-19, social distancing guidelines and regulations – but the weather is pretty safe!
We’ve had some storms lately, too, as well as storms in our personal, work and social lives, that make us react in different ways.
People under strain and tensions react in extreme ways, either too loud with violence even, or withdrawn and quiet.
Our friends and families know the warning signs and can help us to regulate our reactions.
It requires greater self-control – not to take out our feelings on the checkout cashier, the person standing in front of us in queues, the call centre operator trying to solve our problem, our neighbour with an annoying but safe habit.
There is some wise advice about mental health, and how it is connected to our physical health; what we eat, how we exercise, how we monitor our intake of alcohol and other means we use for recreation.
I like a gin and tonic as much as the next person, a beer or a glass of wine, or two, but being a diabetic I know that I will suffer from excess, even of too many biscuits.
That is not the best way for me to cope with current pressures and uncertainty. This storm is, in a lifetime, a short time, and I try to remember that I have the rest of my life ahead.
There are many instances in the
Bible that remind us that God wants us to enjoy this life, to weather the storms with him, and to come out the other side, with support, making the most of what we have, with who loves us.
So remember to tell those you love that you do, so they might find some shelter in this storm.