How much are you willing to pay for that little pick-me-up?

Shoppers queuing for Primark on The Moor, Sheffield city centre on its first day of reopening post-lockdown

Two things occurred to me.

Firstly, How organised the various stores and retail parks were, how careful they were with social distancing and people’s safety.

The second was how quick people are to rush off to, well at first, I thought, something new or different, but realised, it was not new, it was the old.

My wife and I enjoy a day shopping. Those who know me know I take care in how I dress, that requires a day’s shopping here and there. How important is that day’s shopping that some felt the need to stand in a queue from the early hours?

I saw one woman interviewed. She was asked if she missed the shops. ‘Not really’ was the response.

Of course, I am sure many of you will have seen the scenes at some store. People, literally cramming themselves like sardines against the shop door to get in.

H ow important is a new pair of trainers? Even if they are that important to you, does it mean you should put others’ safety at risk? I remember the distress in the poor staff.

It is difficult to remain patient. I missed celebrating the birthday of my daughter. My wife had her birthday last week, it was not what I would have wished for her. I miss children, I miss my friends, it is getting tougher.

It is true, we need the economy up and running. It is true we need to get back to some form of life and living. It is true that we need a little something, a purchase, a day out, a visit to cheer us up!

How much are you willing to pay for it? Will you pay for it with your health, maybe your life? Are you willing to pay for it with someone else’s?

Dramatic? Germany has recently relaxed their lockdown. People got together, visited families. In one workplace, the entire workforce, more than 600 people have been tested positive!

Jesus tells us to be patient and trust in God. James in the New Testament says we should let perseverance finish its work so we may grow and be mature. He writes if we continue to be double minded, or unstable in our thoughts, we will be nothing more than waves tossed about in a storm. Remember where we began. Persevere, we will grow, will we know the results.

How much are you willing to pay for that little pick-me-up?

I saw one woman interviewed. She was asked if she missed the shops. ‘Not really’ was the response.

The Reverend Peter McCool is pastor at South Sheffield Church, Greenhill Parkway, Lowedges – see southsheffieldchurch.co.uk