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It’s been an interesting summer to be a sheep! Where’s he going with that one I hear you ask. We are normally challenged by the weather, if there is a lot of rain we get plenty of grass but plenty of maggots and worms too (the sheep, not the farmer!), and if we have no rain we have fewer maggots and worms, but hungry sheep.
This week I have been reflecting on some lessons that come from both ends of life. I have travelled through beautiful sun-drenched Cotswold villages to visit my aunt, Jo, now just a month short of her 103rd birthday. Sadly, she is in hospital and much dependent on others for her care but doing well nonetheless and looking forward, God willing, to returning home once again.
It has been the driest summer I can remember – and no, I was not here in 1976. That feeling of waking up thinking we must be abroad somewhere…? Parched grass, humidity, watering plants every evening, no longer needing to take a coat anywhere, and no rain breaks in Wimbledon. Then the more serious consequences, farmers having to use their winter food supplies for livestock and serious fires!
A few weeks ago Jeannette and I were host to a gentleman seeking a break from his marriage for all the wrong reasons. We were captivated by his presence and his honesty when sharing his reasons.
He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6: V8) RSV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3: V5, 6