Back to normal...

Kia ora whānau

It looks like winter has finally come upon us in Wellington this week. I hope you are all staying warm and dry.

It was wonderful to be all together again last Sunday! Passing the peace was almost longer than the message. We truly were not made for isolation. We were made to be in relationship with each other and with God. There are important things that can be learned in times of isolation (or solitude), but we need each other to fully become who God intends us to be. Finding the balance between community and solitude can be tricky for many of us regardless of whether we live alone or with other people. Most of us, however, have had too much solitude forced upon us over the months of lockdown and we would just as soon move past it. I suspect that for many people the insights that we may have gained during lockdown or even the memories of the experiences that we had are beginning to fade away (remember standing in line to get into New World and Countdown?!).

As we come out of that season, however, I think it is important to reflect on what we have just experienced before our memories have all disappeared. On Sunday, we looked at King David's decision (or habit) to strengthen himself in the Lord when everything went to custard (1 Sam 30:6). This was most likely something he learned during his times of isolation when he was a shepherd. It was something that he did not forget as he grew older.

So, let's remember. Let's reflect on that crazy season of isolation that we all experienced and hang on to the things that we have learned. I would be very interested to hear some of your reflections. If you have a chance, send me an email or even a text. Perhaps, we may discover a theme among our St Tom's whānau that we need to pay attention to.

Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Mark