Like everyone else this weekend, we were really pleased to finally see sunshine and enjoy blue skies. Our camelia plant usually flowers in February but is still in bud, so we are still waiting for spring. The vicar today preached about the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and it reminded me how evil is really associated with no light, no sunshine and no green growth.
At Easter its all about Jesus and the sacrifice he made for us, but the thing that’s sunk in for me this time, is that sacrifice and pain and suffering are part of everyone’s life, the darkness makes the light shine brighter, and without the dark, difficult times we wouldn’t understand God’s love for us. I have always struggled with the big question about why God allows suffering to take place, even his own son had a terrible time, but I guess it’s like trying to be 100% happy, it just doesn’t work. The key thing I think is not to dwell in the darkness and make it your home. The light is where we need to be, like a plant turning it’s head towards the sun.
I have just accepted a new job, and am feeling really positive, because for a long time I’ve felt that my work/life balance has been totally out of kilter, and I’m hoping to get back into more positive routines, and feel less exhausted with everything.
It’s important that as Christians we do this, because others will see God’s love through our approach to life, and if we don’t keep refreshed and full of oxygen, our beliefs and work, however well intentioned, just don’t “bloom”. We need topping up with God’s love all the time, and he knows how to sustain us if we will let him.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
inspiredinyork 