Brothers and Sisters The fuse box blew in the manse this morning. It happens from time to time that everyone is doing something and the one extra pull on the circuit occasioned by a hair-dryer or kettle going on is the final straw. This time though, we couldn’t get the fuse to re-set and the electrician had to be called. We have two different circuit boards and a very efficient manse steward, so it was at worst a minor inconvenience, sorted out by the great electrician who looks after so much of the electrical requirements across the Circuit. It reminded me though how much we take these things for granted.
I remember walking around Cambridge in the first few days of living in the university there and agreeing with Mark that we must never take the privilege of living in such a beautiful city for granted. Then there have been times when I have visited countries where tap water is still not fully safe for drinking and teeth-brushing, and bottled water is the only way to go, and I have promised myself that I will never again take the assumption that water coming out of the tap in my kitchen is safe to drink as anything but a privilege.
Of course, I forget. I got used to the beauty of central Cambridge, I run myself a glass of water from the tap without even thinking about it, and I will doubtless forget all about the extraordinary gift that electricity is by tomorrow.
As we get closer to the events of Easter, with Palm Sunday next week and all that Holy Week and Easter morning bring, I am reminded how easy it is to take these things for granted as well. That the Son of Man came and lived among us and died and rose again. Brothers and sisters, let us not take the scandal of the cross, or the joy of Easter for granted. Let us remember that, however much we have got used to the idea of it, it is an extraordinary thing that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
God bless
Vicci
Our Church Prayer Group:
Rev’d’ Vicci is keen to restart this with Rev’d Malcolm – so please note it will hopefully start on Wednesday 19 May. It will meet 6 pm to 6.30 every alternate Wednesday and will be confirmed in the newsletter. This is such an important, special time and all are welcome.