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Dear All,
As you know I recently had a brief hospital visit for some minor surgery. I am happy to say that all now seems to be on the mend and I am slowly returning to my normal self - whatever that is! Incidentally, many, many thanks to all of you who offered prayerful support. Much appreciated. The fascinating thing about my operation was that the anaesthetist was Polish, a nurse was French and the surgeon was from India. No doubt other nations were represented, including England, but I was too unconscious to be able to ask them! Isn't it remarkable how nationalities come together to further the healing process in one individual? We often talk about the global village but this is it in a nutshell; skilled people working together with a common purpose. Could this be an acted parable of what needs to happen within and between churches in order to bring about healing in society?
I think that these days, God is calling us to work more closely with our Christian sisters and brothers in other denominations. We may not always agree but can we work together in loving ways? In your prayer time it is worth reading through some of the hymns in the 'Life and unity in the church' section in Singing the Faith, e.g. numbers 678, 685, 686, 689, and 691.
Personally, I am always mightily relieved when January is over. It seems such a long and gloomy month. Now, at last, we are in February and there is Valentine's Day to look forward to!
The precise origins of the day are lost in the mists of time but certainly February 14th, with the first stirrings of spring, when birds traditionally choose their mates, was allotted to St. Valentine and ever since has been associated with romance and new love. It was the day for young men to select the girl of their choice and there was the tradition that the first person of the opposite sex that you met on the morning of the day was to be your Valentine. These days, cards are often unsigned so that you cannot be sure who your Valentine is.
In a world that can often seem humdrum isn't it good to have some romance, not to mention excitement. I know that some people think me odd but I think it is very exciting to get to know more about God - the creator of the world. Imagine an explosion in a scrap metal yard. Just suppose, as a result of the explosion, you ended up with a beautifully made Rolls Royce, with a full tank of petrol and keys in the ignition. Laughable? Incredible? Did our wonderful world, with all its fragile intricacy come into being as the result of a Godless explosion? Laughable? Incredible?
What could be more exciting - or romantic than getting to know this Creator?
Happy Valentine's Day to all of you.
Love and Peace
Malcolm
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