Julie's Jottings for March

Recently, in our study group, we explored various habits that we can nurture to develop our character. I was struck by the sheer volume of research highlighting the benefits of such practices. Evidently, adopting positive habits can increase our happiness, reduce selfishness, and make us easier to live with. Cultivating positive habits enables our character to grow.

One example is the practice of gratitude. By intentionally focusing on what we are thankful for, we shift our attention away from complaining about what is wrong with the world. Regularly expressing gratitude not only helps us recognise the good in our lives but, according to research, those who make this a habit tend to be happier than those who do not.

This Lent, at St Mary’s, we are embracing a new approach through the use of a daily reflection booklet titled Draw Near – Life-giving Habits for Lent.  Every person attending church will receive a copy. The booklet encourages a short daily reflection on a Bible verse or two, followed by a prayer and a suggested response. The aim is to help us to foster habits and practices that draw us closer to God and to our neighbours. This represents a shift in our Lenten practice of Lent. Instead of viewing it solely as a time of self-denial for its own sake, we are invited to see Lent as transformation.  It gives us an opportunity to set aside time for study, prayer, and heightened awareness of our actions towards others. This intentional focus has the power to transform and surprise us.  It says in the book of James, “Draw near to God and God will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)                      Rev Julie Norris
                                

Reflection for March

 'Put your hand into the Hand of God'

Once again, and yet again, we find ourselves confronting a war over which we have no control.  The unleashing of terrible destructive power which, despite the claims of accuracy in targeting, strikes indescriminately at villages, towns, and cities taking many innocent lives is the reality of it. 

Who can we trust?  Who tells the truth? Who will stand up to stop the slaughter and destruction?  We have to turn to God, yet with all the strife and uncertainty  it is worrying that so many people no longer consider that God has a place in their lives. We do not have to look far to see the unwelcome effects of godlessness in our society, but there are many who consider that it is much easier to lead  life free of the duties and restrictions that Christian and other faiths place upon us. But whenever as now the trouble comes closer to home it is “God help us” that we hear. And we raise our voices in prayerful supplication that God in his Love and Mercy will indeed hear us and help us and all those suffering directly from the present conflict. 

I have no hesitation in repeating the following lines from a reflection written in 2024. "In the first days of the Second World War, King George VI broadcast to his people, anxious and facing a fearful future.  He used words from the poem, “The Gate of the Year” by Minnie Haskins.   “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown”, then “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way”. St. Luke reminds us of God’s promise to Abraham (Luke 1: 79) “God’s sunrise will break in on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide their feet into the path of peace”.  May it be so."     Amen.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      David Peacock