|
Viewpoint from Mary Ives 25/04/2025
 Mary Ives
Licensed Lay Minister
Belton and Burgh Castle
As I sit in the sunshine at my desk writing this article, I have just returned from a stunning walk through one of the beautiful nature reserves in this area. Over the last two or three weeks, since the weather has improved, we have been able to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the wonders of creation – there is so much beauty without travelling too far
Reflecting on some of the things I have seen I realise that we have many things to be thankful for. If like me, you now avoid watching so many of our many news broadcasts, you may have come to the conclusion that everything in this world seems to be upside down or back to front. People are worried about expressing what they feel or think in case they upset or offend someone. The news can seem so depressing when it focuses on the troubles all around the world – what we really need is light in this dark tunnel – or a hope that things will get better. It can be hard to be positive, but whatever is going on around the world, in our own country – or town, we can take encouragement from the signs of new life all around us
 Nature has so much to offer. Sometimes we need to refocus and what better way this Easter than to focus on the signs of new life which are everywhere we look, if we just take the time
One of the things I have recently acquired is an app on my phone for the identification of bird song. This has been so useful as we’ve walked through woods and along river banks. I love to hear the bird song, such a joyful sound – but often it is hard to see the ones singing, as they keep themselves well hidden. However, by using this app I can identify what sort of bird is singing, and see a picture of what it looks like. It makes me realise that it’s not important to always see the bigger picture, but it’s wonderful to be able to appreciate something I can’t see, but know is there
This thought has taken me back to knowing that God is there, I can’t see him, but the evidence is there, in the creation, the new life we see, in animals. plants and birds. All there for us to enjoy and appreciate, even when all around might be doom and gloom. This is the same world that Jesus came into, to tell people the good news that God loves them and wants to build relationships with them. The same world which shunned him – which hounded him and nailed him to a cross. This is the world where he rose from the dead, bringing new life to all who turn to him. Spring to me is that sign of new life which is on offer to all who turn to him. May it be to you too
The views carried here are those of the author, not necessarily of Network Yarmouth, and are intended to stimulate constructive and good-natured debate between website users
We welcome your thoughts and comments, posted below, upon the ideas expressed here
Click here to read our forum and comment posting guidelines
|
|
|
|
