Easter

Kia ora whānau,

The Church around the world, for the most part, spent its first Easter in lockdown. For many of our persecuted brothers and sisters this is their reality all the time. For the rest of us, however, it was a new experience - one none of us wanted. But rather than dwell on what we couldn't do, some of our St Tom's whānau chose to use their God-given creativity to celebrate and proclaim the crucifixion and resurrection of our Saviour. Beautiful art installations and inventive messages were created on the houses, gates, and footpaths throughout Newtown. As people walked by, there were many opportunities to engage with people and bless them (from a safe distance). The weekend was capped off, for me anyway, at the end of our zoom Easter service with an impromptu (and our first ever) virtual dance party! I think it was one of the most significant and fun Easters I have had for a long time.

Monday, however, was a really tough day. I was so down (and tired). The celebration was over and we were still in lockdown. My kids, God bless them, were still home from school indefinitely, my house did not grow larger over the weekend, and I still had not had a flat white in three weeks. I know my frustrations are minimal compared to what many other people are experiencing around the world. We have been spared the extremes of the pandemic so far and I am grateful to be on lockdown where I am. Yet, it still feels so difficult sometimes.

As I reflected on the state of my soul (or at least my emotions), I remembered that God is God of the light and the darkness. There is both Easter morning and Good Friday in our story and also in many seasons of our lives. God holds us in all these experiences and we learn to discern his presence in the process. So, whether you are still reveling in having a break from anyone popping your two metre bubble or whether you feel like you are going to lose the plot any minute ( Kirsty felt the need to briskly walk to the summits of both Mount Albert and Mount Victoria yesterday 🤔), remember that God has promised to never to abandon us - in the light or the darkness.

So let's keep our eyes on Jesus

Mark