Dear Family

The weather has just been totally crazy recently. It’s been very hot, then very cold, then dry, then wet. The poor weather man has really had his work cut out with an unusual amount of curses flying his way, I’m sure. This time of year when the seasons struggle to know whether it is still autumn or perhaps sliding into winter, provides quite an interesting ride for us all.

Our lives are often like this too, aren’t they? Personally, I find it a lot easier to ride out a summer time in life, or a dry, cold winter time, than to be up and down with all sort of things hanging and banging me about. I like order. I like the ducks to all march in line, and when they don’t, I do struggle more to cope.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we read of Solomon’s seasonal journey in life. He had everything, tried everything, but everything became “meaningless”. All his power, his wisdom, his tremendous wealth and influence, everything, he experienced as an exercise in futility. And at the end of it all, he has this to say: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc 12:13). The prophet Micah has a similar commission for us. In Micah 6:8 we read, “He has shown you, O Man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before your God.” This life walk of ours is quite simple really. It’s not about money, or comfort, or health, or power, or prestige, or shoes! It’s all about God!

Seasons will come and go. Changes will happen. Difficulties will need to be faced. Storms of life are inevitable. But this one this is sure: “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hallelujah!