Lockdown diverted our daily Caper walk to Port Kelly. I noted the growth in a newly sown field and took a picture each day until we could get back to walking Ballyquinton Point.
Mine was an uneducated uninformed watching of slow growth over days, weeks and months. A farmer would have watched with intelligence and intent. But as each day passed it made me wonder what seeds of change God had planted in my life. And as the seeds germinated, grew and flourished what was God growing in me. And why?
Yes, we have shopped differently. We have all learnt to use what was in the fridge. We have put up with shaggy hair and only do our faces for zoom meetings. I have seen more of God’s creation because I looked more intently. I have seen grace and generosity in places I never expected. I have seen stupidity and selfishness that was equally unexpected. I have been called upon to serve in ways I had not chosen or wanted and discovered once again that God knows what is best for me. I have enjoyed zoom church and its wide-open doors. God has opened up new presenCE discussions and opportunities as others have closed. I have become even more anti-social. I want a new normal.
As a mature student, I am asking singer song writer David’s tutor for a refresher programme. One that will prepare me for re-entry to a freer post pandemic life. “Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways. Take me by the hand; lead me down the path of truth. You are my Saviour, aren’t you?” (Ps 25:4-5). I wonder where he will lead me? And where he will lead us as a community of faith in Portaferry? What will the harvest be from a year of new growth?
