Patience and restraint are tools we need going forward

Its life, but not as we know it. We start to see small signs life as we know it is on the way back. Some shops have begun to reopen.
Customers queue to enter a newly reopened storeCustomers queue to enter a newly reopened store
Customers queue to enter a newly reopened store

We flock to them, waiting, patiently for our turn to enter and get the products we need to spruce up the garden, fix those shelves, paint that door, or whatever it may be that will brighten our surroundings, lift our mood and cheer our day.

The reality seems to have been different for some.

One woman reports the aisles were little more than a scene from a cattle market.

The Reverend Peter McCoolThe Reverend Peter McCool
The Reverend Peter McCool
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There have been reports of fights in the car park as people ‘patiently’ wait.

When we spend time training our bodies to our own level, fuelling it with appropriate foods, we feel healthy, look healthy, indeed, are healthy. The life we can live and lead confirms it.

How we spend our time and what we let into our minds has as much of an effect as what we take into our body. Our attitudes and desires are shaped by what we consume.

Many on social media say we are realising who really is important to our lives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jesus said the word of God, indeed, he himself is the bread of life. He is the living water that brings a life far greater than we have previously known. It feeds us with a lifestyle of love, dignity and respect for all that is truly important for a life worth living. It is not simply a collection of outdated concepts. It does not feed an attitude that attacks our fellow man, emergency service and shop workers. It does not undervalue those we are now relying upon. It teaches of equality for everyone.

What is important to you? Do we value a paint brush, a plant or some grass seed more than the safety of those who work to open the shops for us? More than our fellow shoppers and family we will go home to?

We have done so well thus far. Patience and restraint are the tools we need.

The Bible tells us to forget, or leave, the things behind us and press on toward the goal.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The goal Paul speaks of is the call toward the greater and more perfect way. toward God, Jesus and eternal life in paradise. There, we will find life, but not as we could imagine. Press on with patience and love.

Consume, in your heart, body and mind, that which is better, healthier and leads towards life.

The Reverend Peter McCool is pastor of South Sheffield Evangelical Church, Greenhill Parkway, Lower Bradway – see southsheffieldchurch.co.uk

Related topics: