Dear Friends;
Greetings on this beautiful spring morning. I hope that where you are, you are able to enjoy the sunshine. On this first Friday following Easter Day, I want to reflect on the theme “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” – a favourite Gospel Song of mine, the words came to mind on my morning walk.
May you be blessed and encouraged by these words and this music.
Grace and peace with pastoral love and caring,
Rev. Phil
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3.22-23 (RSV)
I stepped out of the house this morning about 6:25 – into the frosty air – and it was already light! A few minutes later I witnessed the sun rising above the eastern horizon – a sight that never fails to thrill me. Another day to experience the beauty of the world and to be grateful!
This time of year, even though it is still cold, and even though it was snowing yesterday in The County, there are signs of spring all around us. Aside from the blooming daffodils and hyacinths – the tulips coming on – and the unfolding new leaves of poppies and lilies that in a few weeks will add their blooms – the most thrilling thing for me is the lengthening daylight!
I believe it was some of the wisdom of the ancient Celts that named Creation as the Fifth Gospel. Around us every day, we are witness to the Love expressed by the Creator in the beauty of the natural world. That beauty is not just out there beyond us, but within our own bodies. Looking into the faces of our Grandchildren, even doing Facetime, who could doubt that we have been profoundly blessed?
Wednesday of next week, April 22nd, will be Earth Day. More than ever before, in this time of pandemic, we are aware of our connectedness with our “spinning blue planet” – it is our home, as it is home to the billions of others – human beings, plants and animals who depend on it for their health and survival. It seems to me that our care for the earth – and our respect for our Kind Creator, begins with awareness and with gratitude.
My prayer for you today is that you will find opportunity today to be aware of beauty around you – a star-filled night sky – a sunrise or sunset – growing plants – the dawn chorus of birds – the face of a loved one. . . .and that you will experience gratitude, a profound sense of blessing, and an awareness of God’s faithful Presence.
I leave you with the words of “Great is They Faithfulness”, VU#288
- Great is thy faithfulness, God our Creator; there is no shadow of turning with thee; thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not; as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Refrain: Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided, great is thy faithfulness, ever to me.
- Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, sun moon and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Refrain:
- Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow – wondrous the portion thy blessings provide.
Refrain:
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