Articles - From the Curate

November Thoughts

When I think about the word 'November', the thoughts and words that come to mind are dark mornings and dark evenings (because the clocks have gone back) and also the weather! There are those times in November when we have days and days of dullness, rain and drizzle and we don't seem to see the sun for quite some time. Then, after what seems an eternity of wet weather, one day you wake up, look out of the window and it's just glorious sunshine. You can't feel the warmth of the sun, but you can definitely see its effect - its light is everywhere, everything looks nicer, everything looks cleaner, everyone seems a bit happier and it can help us feel more upbeat about life.

This can be similar to our lives sometimes: there can be times when we might be feeling dull, dreary, a bit unloved and a bit uncared for and we may be finding it hard to feel any love around us. In fact, it may not be light at all in our lives; it may be very dark - just like those dark wet days.

But then, like that sunshine appearing with its great brightness and wonderful light, we can suddenly get a glimpse of light in our lives - something 'speaks' to us - an event, meeting someone, seeing or reading something etc - we can just suddenly become aware of some hope being there one day, that things are looking up.

All of these comparisons with weather and our lives also remind me of God and our relationship with Him.

There may be times when our relationship with Him isn't as close as we want it to be - we can't feel close to Him or feel His love. At those times, we mustn't forget that He is actually still there - like the sun on those dull days, which is just there behind the clouds - He is always there. If we try not to give up, but instead try to trust Him and seek Him out, we will eventually catch a glimpse of His love and His presence in our lives and in this world. This might be through a conversation, a meeting with someone, watching something, lots of different ways - something happens which makes us realise that, actually yes, He is there, He is near, He does love us - but sometimes we have to turn and look for Him don't we?

So, from weather, to our lives and then to our relationship with God:
Dull dreary days in November are always followed by sunshine days. Dull dreary days in our lives can lead on to happier days. Our relationship with God, if it's going through a weak time, can be revitalised if we just look out for that 'sunny' moment to see His light.

So, on the next sunny day in November, even if we don't feel particularly happy at that time, let's try turning our face to the sun and smile! Hopefully, we will feel happier. Then let's thank Our Lord for His light in our lives and for His love for us.

May you find God's love and peace this month,
Best wishes
Diane

© St Edmund's Church, Roundhay