The thin times

In next Sunday’s Lectionary, there’s a reading from the first book of Samuel. The writer sets the scene; “The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.” This phase in the story of God’s relationship with the human race starts in a thin time, a time of God-drought. I’m not particularly wanting to assign blame for this state of affairs – I just want to note that these thin times are also part of the story – and probably will continue to be: it doesn’t mean that God is dead. Even if hardly anyone seems to hear God speak, even if there’s a great flowering of lies and bullshit told in the name of Jesus, even if the drums of violence beat louder and louder, even if we feel total desolation; don’t give up, for this too can become part of the story of God’s love for us.

I can’t think of anything good to say about the weather today. It is simply miserable. A little warmer, yes, but miserable. It didn’t even have the advantage of putting off the dog-walkers: the dog-walkers around here are way too hardcore to be put off by rain and the invisibility of the hills.

Nevertheless, it is all part of a wonderful system that circulates the water and nourishes the land, and I praise the Creator for that!

Meanwhile, our government is delaying the decision about increasing restrictions. In a way they are right – we can’t know for sure what effect the current restrictions are having for a while yet. In a way they are wrong, because any delay is going to cost more lives. There are two reasons they have chosen the delay route – one is that unfortunately our Prime Minister is an optimist. Optimism is fine, but as I already mentioned, you wouldn’t want an optimist driving your bus, would you? Second reason is that he has to ask permission from a few dozen right-wing MPs before he does anything. I wonder what new restrictions would look like. Already I am going beyond – we’re experimenting with getting deliveries from our nearest Co-op. I just hope it isn’t keeping someone else from using this option – I’d know though, by the lack of delivery slots – which are all free at the moment.

Please pray for the NHS/GIG* and everyone who works there…

* Forgive my poor Welsh, but it’s something like Gwasanaeth Iechyd Genedlaethol.

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