Is the mind focused for the better life our heart desires?

Cheer up, it could be worse. Being from Glasgow I always looked forward to the first social media post after a day of sunshine which said: “Summer was on a Tuesday this year, it was great.”

Now that we have our gardens, cars and homes sorted. What will be next?

Well, if you are anything like my wife, it is clear-out time. The bin men and skip hire people may be in for a busy time.

Angie, my wife, has a theory. If you haven’t used something in the past six months you don’t need it, get rid!

It is worth mentioning that this does not apply to the Christmas decorations – nor, apparently, the shoes she has in boxes at the bottom of the wardrobe, under the bed and goodness knows where else!

I have previously touched on the thoughts of a new world, new normal etc.

Many have shown this may not quite be the case.

As lockdown, eases there seems to be some kind of thought process that the virus somehow no longer exists, or, perhaps is considerably weaker and doesn’t apply to us when we are enjoying a beach day, fun in the sun at the park or marching through the streets.

While all these things may well be important, the virus has not simply stepped aside for a day or two on request.

Surely, if we are to learn from these days and achieve anything close to this new order we heard of and hoped for, there must be a clear out.

A clear out of certain mindsets, values and priorities.

Jesus says we must focus our minds on what is important. Our heart may desire it, but unless we decide in our mind and focus, it will not happen.

The Bible tells us to forget the things of old and press on towards the goal.

Indeed, the new relationship which Jesus established for us leads us to that very thing. The old ways of condemnation, self-justification and self-reliance no longer efficient. A new way, God grace, peace and love, a relationship, not a list of rules.

I guess the question is what is the goal we are pressing toward? The heart may long for a better way, a better life and a better future, but is the mind ready and focused?

The Reverend Peter McCool is pastor of South Sheffield Evangelical Church, Greenhill Parkway, Lowedges