The power of creation is a great tonic to virus weariness, says Sheffield minister

I have felt it too, and have looked for some way of taking a break from the coverage.

I found myself moving away from the news streams on my phone, to look at some social media pages set up by the good folk of Sheffield.

They were full of pictures of the countryside surrounding our city, from awesome sunsets to pictures of rolling hills and amazing views.

It was like someone opened the windows in my heart and allowed lots of fresh air come through.

The power of creation is certainly a great tonic.

And particularly as we are now into autumn, we get some awesome light and colour shows absolutely free – with compliments from the Creator!

“The Land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance.” Psalm 16vs6.

At Greenhill Methodist Church, we do a craft-based event called Messy Church.

During lockdown, we have been giving out craft bags to help people think creatively about God and His presence in our lives.

Tomorrow, we will be giving these bags out again and we are thinking about God’s creation and His provision.

We are using the famous old hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful – the last verse can help us get a fresh perspective of life.

“He gave us eyes to see them”; we are invited to look out and see the beauty of creation and allow it to inspire and refresh us.

“And lips that we might tell”; nature is awesome and we thank God for its beauty and its bounty.

“How great is God almighty who has made all things well”; The changing of the seasons gives us confidence that God is with us. His creation is good and lifts us. The same God is with us through this difficult time and as sure as the seasons change, His power and creativity will help us through the uncertain months ahead.

The Reverend Jonathan Haigh is a minister at Victoria Hall Methodist Church, Sheffield city centre, and Greenhill Methodist Church – see greenhillmethodistchurch.com