We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose

Romans 8:28 New Revised Standard Version

It’s been some time since I read Terry Pratchett’s book called Interesting Times, but I recall that the moral message was about fighting against tyranny. It’s been four months since my last Jotting, and what Interesting Times those months have been, and it seems that will continue for a considerable time into the future. The Tyrant in our time is not a person but an incredibly small virus. Who would have thought that something so miniscule could cause such world-wide disruption?

Tyranny takes a firm hold on people and causes problems and distress but it also provokes feelings of unity and empathy between those who are oppressed. That’s so very true in this pandemic. So many working towards finding a solution, to overcoming the grip of the virus on the human population and so much care and compassion being shown in the community.

There must be few individuals who have not felt the effect of the limitations on daily life that the virus has caused. The worst has been the lack of normal social interaction with family and friends. No comfort of the touch of a hand, the warmth of a hug, the face to face conversations where so much is conveyed by facial expression, no sharing of morning coffees, leisurely lunches, weekend get-togethers. And supermarket deliveries are no substitute for shopping with a friend!

It can all start to weigh heavily on us, especially when the future looks so unpredictable. “When will we get back to normal?” people ask.

The answer to that seems to be, Never, – at least not normal as things used to be.

But that’s not necessarily a negative response.

It all depends on your point of view.

Is it a further limitation, or is it a challenge?

I recently heard a recording of J. John quoting a very old saying; ‘If you can’t change the situation, change your perspective.’ We may not have power over outside events but we do have power over our minds, on how we view things.

And we have hope; we know that ultimately God is in charge and that God loves Creation, loves all of us and our world.

We can put our trust in God and try to look on the situation with Christ’s compassionate eyes. We can ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us as we go forward into what has been termed the, ‘New Normal,’ so that it may more fully grow into God’s Kingdom, with a Kingship that is not tyrannical but loving, compassionate, merciful and forgiving. A Kingdom of Peace and Goodwill.

Amen. Let it be so.

Love, Prayers and Blessings, 

Joy