Murmurings from the Manse
I was on the way to the crematorium, chatting to the driver about the end of 2018 and we remarked how much quicker time seems to go by. He paused and said, “I wish I could get my children (grown up) to appreciate that fact and make the most of each day”.
Some people fill each and every day – some go for more of a ‘pick and mix’ approach and some will be content to do as little as possible. The diversity of humanity will never change that and I am not convinced it is anyone’s role to interfere anyway.
However, it seems that as one year draws to a close and a new one is ushered in there is a sense of renewed promise and enthusiasm, a blank canvas just waiting to be filled and we have the power to do that as we choose.
Jesus’ public ministry had periods where he took himself off but mostly it was a fairly punishing, relentless time, in exhorting his followers to do likewise we could be forgiven for thinking it is too hard to keep up, we need built in rest periods. Yet Jesus would be the first to tell us it is about balance, it is about doing some things and doing them well, instead of trying and failing to do everything!
2018 was a challenging year for our church and our pastorate, we have come through and now we look ahead in confidence and hope and trust to the year that is to come. As we do so let us pray that by our action we will make the most of what it offers and that in our own small way we can make a difference to the lives of others.
I wish you a happy and healthy 2019
Sarah
Wootton Bassett United Reformed Church 