By the time you read this, I hope there will be warmer and brighter weather but at the time of writing this (early January), the country is experiencing one of the heaviest snowfalls and one of the most prolonged periods of low temperatures for many years. The forecast is for more snow and low temperatures to continue for some days yet.
It has all come as rather a surprise to us as we have grown used over the last few years to relatively mild winters. While the scenery is spectacular in those areas covered by fresh snowfalls, there are hidden dangers for those who have to walk or drive in the icy conditions and we have to learn or re-learn the art of coping in adverse conditions. It has a bright side for the children who are in their element as they sledge and enjoy building snowmen and throwing snowballs at each other.
It's encouraging to learn from the media how people have rallied around to help each other; lending a hand to push a car trapped in the snow; offering to go shopping for elderly or infirm neighbours; helping one another to cross icy roads. While many have just shut themselves away in order to keep warm, we must admire the courage of our emergency services who often put themselves in considerable danger in order to help those who are in crisis. One thing we can be certain about is that things will get better as the snow melts and we return to conditions with which we are more familiar and more comfortable.
All of this is not really too different from everyday life. We're uncertain what lies in front of us; what joys or difficulties we are going to have to face but our faith leads us to believe that God is with us even in the difficult periods of our lives and that he will see us safely through to the better times that lie ahead.
Steve Campbell
Interim Moderator
Tel: 01284 787664
February 2010