Spring is always a pleasant time of year when we see renewed growth on the trees and in the fields. After what has been a fairly severe winter, it is good to experience the warmth of the sun again.
As the sun shines, so the plants begin to sprout and people themselves seem to grow taller as they emerge from underneath umbrellas, hats, scarves and the hoods of anoraks. Smiles even appear on people's faces as they greet each other. What a difference a little bit of sunshine can make!
Once we have passed the Spring Equinox, we often hear people say that the days are getting longer. Well, we all know that they are still the same length and it's just that we have more hours of daylight; hours which we might use fruitfully for planting and cultivation.
We certainly are conscious of the farmers still busy in their fields well into the evening. We often are able to enjoy a chat with our neighbours as we work in our gardens in the evening and people are more willing to attend evening events when they don't have to go home in the dark. These additional hours of daylight are to be enjoyed and used to their best advantage.
In John's gospel, Jesus asked his disciples, "Are there not twelve hours in the day?" and went on to say that those who walk in the light have the light of the world and so do not stumble whereas those who walk in the darkness do stumble.
Jesus reminds his disciples, as he reminds us, that the time we have on earth is a very precious commodity; that we can accomplish a great deal more when our path is clear to us; when we know where we are going. We have the freedom to do what we will with that time so let's use it in the most fruitful way we can and in doing so bring a little of God's love to our neighbours and friends.
Steve Campbell
Interim Moderator
Tel: 01284 787664
June 2009