Thought for the Week

At Christmas we received a copy of a lovely book called The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy.

The boy meets the mole, they both meet the fox, then they are joined by the horse.

It’s a book about love, friendship and kindness to others and self. It is dotted with little sayings that are so relevant in these times, regardless of who you are, where you are or how young or old you are.

A little over halfway through the book, the mole asks the boy a question: ‘Is your glass half empty or half full?’

How would you answer that question? We continue to live in such odd times and I think it is fair to say it is taking its toll on a lot of folk now.

But so many of the people I talk to are appreciating the small things in life: spring is definitely here – well, most of the time – the birds are returning and the first of the bluebells have appeared in our garden.

‘Is your glass half empty or half full?’ asked the mole. ‘I think I am grateful to have a glass,’ said the boy.

That answer made me smile. Some of us are naturally optimistic, others incline to pessimism and, realistically, a lot of us probably switch between the two at the moment.

In the New Testament we read: ‘Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.’ (1 Thessalonians (5:16-18)

Each day brings fresh challenges but there is hope and light in the world around us. I hope that helps to keep your glass half full today.

Reverend Chris Fulcher, Church of Scotland, South Kintyre Team Ministry.