Do you have a favourite season? I love spring.
Over the last few weeks it has been wonderful to see the spring bulbs bursting into flower – first the snowdrops and now the daffodils and crocuses.
The recent storms have passed and as the warmth of the sun arrives and the days lengthen the earth bursts into life once more.
Just as the earth has seasons our lives have seasons too.
Sometimes our lives are full of joy as we experience the birth of a first grandchild, find out that the job we applied for is ours, or simply pull back the curtains and discover a beautiful sunrise.
These are times to cherish and enjoy, they are refreshing for our soul. But sometimes life is hard, tragedy hits our family or community and we experience a season of despair – a time when all we seem to be able to do is weep.
Today I weep for the country of Ukraine.
My thoughts, and perhaps yours too, are with all those affected by Vladimir Putin’s shocking act of military aggression.
It is my prayer that, by some miracle, fighting will cease and lasting peace will be established.
I pray that God will break into this desperately bleak situation, shine his light into the darkness and bring a season of hope to those in despair.
Whether you are experiencing a season of spring joy or are struggling through a wintry season of despair may you know God close to you and his arms of love surrounding you today and in the days and weeks to come.
Karen Bugg, from Wokingham Baptist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
