Thought for the week
EACH week a member of the local clergy will be sharing their
thought for the week. This week Rev Alex Cheevers, rector
of Magheragall Parish Church, reminds people that the tough times,
no matter how tough, will eventually pass if you `hang in there'.
ONE morning many years ago my wife Maureen and myself were
going through a difficult time when we were overwhelmed with
life's problems.
We were wondering, 'how can we cope with all of this?' We
couldn't see any way through a lot of problems. Even clergy get
bogged down with deadlines, worries and problems.
We were sitting talking about it all when the postman arrived
with a post card from half way around the world. On the front of
the card had a photograph of an anxious looking little cat,
hanging with its two front paws wrapped around a thin branch of a
tree.
The cat was looking down towards the ground, and was obviously
in great danger of falling.
On the card were printed the words 'Hang in There!' On the back
of the card were a few lines from the friends who had sent the
card. 'This is just to say that we love you and want you to know
that we are thinking of you." They signed of with the words, 'Hang
in there!'
That card arriving changed our whole attitude to our situation.
We knew that we were not on our own. We knew that someone out
there cared enough to contact us. We knew that God was encouraging
us. We were reminded that if we 'hung in there' the difficult
times would pass.
We were also reminded also of how St. Paul says that in life
there are times when we need to 'persevere' Biblical language for
'Hang in there.'
Who is out there in your life that could do with a phone call
to encourage them? Who is there who could do with you calling to
see them? Many a person has been saved from disaster or tragedy by
the thoughtfulness of a friend making a call.
On the other hand if your are the one who is finding life tough
at the moment, ask the Lord for the strength and wisdom that you
need. And 'Hang in there!'
 |
