Reaction

Today has been very very difficult with both of us ill, one with the flu, the other with severe ME, plus knowing that it is only time before we both have flu.

 An awful thought. 

On days like this we are reminded vividly of our almost total isolation from everyone.

We are reminded of how few people seem to care, one way or another, especially locally. We are very aware of neighbours , who go to church, chose not to want to know or get involved. 

It makes us more aware of the total vulnerability of our situation.

A strong reaction to days like this is a tearing sense of our own helplessness and poverty. On such days it feels as if  things cannot get any worse, except  actually they can, for today at least the continuing building work torment was not quite as extreme as other recent days.

Our reaction on days like this could be to fall into despair ,but we do not go there , because days like this also remind us of the love we have for each other. That is what is important. That is what is real.

 That is what lifts us and nurtures us and takes us forward beyond despair.

It is important then when things go wrong or deteriorate, to take a moment to not panic, to not react badly or fearfully, despite this being the natural response.

 It is time to draw close to peace and stillness, to seek healing and hope, to find blessings in the tiniest of things, such as watching a ladybird joyfully encounter the sunshine. 

It  is time to be more loving, more caring, more compassionate to each other and to ourselves and Trust that God in His  goodness will keep us safe and bring healing and  untold blessings into our lives.

 Amen.