Musings – November 2023
Remember the past … look to the future!
Tatty picking is over … it’s time to look ahead as the year draws to an end. And we start by looking backwards!
REMEMBRANCE comes as we once again face a world at war – Ukraine, the Middle East, and so many other places. Once again we are reminded that during ‘peacetime’ (since the end of WWII) there has been no day free of conflict and death. Innocent people are still being displaced, injured, killed by armies, terrorists, governments and rebels. As we focus on those who have died in the past, we should be stirred to work for peace today to secure the future for our children.
Our Acts of Remembrance are a sobering reminder of the cost of ongoing non-peace and lead us to our next step…
PRAYER is a natural response to things outside our control. A cry for help or justice or compassion as we all face the ups and downs of life – ill-health, mental stress, financial pressures, strained relationships, etc. As human beings something deep inside us calls out to the ‘beyond’, the ‘unknown’, the infinite. Sometimes with words, sometimes with groans, sometimes with shouts of anger, frustration or disbelief. Often we simply need a reminder that we are loved.
We will Pray for Peace in the Glencairn Memorial Institute on 11th from 2pm, and at Dunscore Church on 12th from 7pm. Join us if you can.
HEALING BLANKETS are one practical way of expressing and giving comfort at a time of need. Warmth, protection and shelter for those in distress. We are starting to make (knit, crochet, sew) these simple symbols of love so that they can be available to pass on to friends, neighbours and family in times of need. They carry a simple message of reassurance that the recipient is not forgotten or alone – so important to know at any difficult time in life. These blankets will be available at the back of church for anyone to take for anyone. No qualifications necessary! My wife Debbie is co-ordinating this so if anyone can make a 6” square or a whole blanket of six squares by five, please contact her at the Manse.
REMEMBERING reminds us of the mistakes we have made in the past, our need of God’s Grace, and how He has worked in and around us through those willing to give themselves for others.
We respond by acknowledging our past, the same old pitfalls which repeat themselves, the vicious cycles which so easily trap us, the ruts which blinker us as we hurtle along them, recognising our need to change.
We resolve to make changes – to ourselves, in our relationships and in our actions. We commit ourselves to being people of peace, servants of others, channels of love in our families and our communities.
Join us as we remember, respond and resolve together. As the hymn-writer put it:
“past put behind us, for the future take us, Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.”
Remember, Respond, Resolve.
May God Bless you.