New year reflections…..

As we begin a new year we wonder what it will hold for us. The past few years have been tough. As I write this the news is filled with images of war, the fighting between Israel and Gaza, the continuing conflict in Ukraine, and other acts of violence that don’t make the headlines very often. In our daily prayers we remember those suffering from natural disasters which are reported but then the news moves on. We may not hear or see of the long term hardship and suffering but we know it continues. As does, thank God, the work of agencies and individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes doing what is needed to make life better.

Also in the news is the enquiry into Covid with the inevitable wisdom of hindsight. One of the hard balancing acts was the need for lockdown against the inevitable harm and hardship such measures would cause. The daily news and briefings may be over but we witness the enduring trauma in mental health, missed education, social isolation and the devastating economic consequences.

Cast your mind back to autumn 2023 and ask when you noticed the first Christmas decorations in people’s homes. Can you remember? For me it was 1st November, a house displaying both Halloween and Christmas lights. My inner Victor Meldrew rose to the occasion.

In 2023 I saw more Christmas decorations earlier than ever before, I wonder if that is a sign of people needing some tangible glimpse of hope in a world which seems so desperately sad?

New year is meant to be a time of resolutions. Of course, we usually take these fairly lightly. Our resolutions are often to lose a bit of weight, tidy that cupboard we’ve put off doing for so long, walk the dog more often, be nicer to that miserable neighbour, to recycle more. Or maybe just to keep on top of the vicarage hedge this year.

To be resolute matters. To intentionally redirect our time, energy, money, makes a difference. To us. To others. To our world.

One reason for sadness is the fact that bad news seems overwhelming. But what if we could see behind the news, to observe not just the fleeting headlines but also the tireless resilience of those who work to make life better?

One of the joys of local community, and local church, are those hardy souls who quietly and patiently get on with doing things for others. They don’t make a fuss. They won’t receive a medal. And they’ll never be on the front page of the papers. But they make a difference.

T S Elliot observed that humanity cannot bear too much reality. That goes two ways. It is true that we are diminished by continual encounters with suffering, brutality and oppression. But it is also true that we overlook great joy and hope which quietly, patiently, not always successfully, but nevertheless with resilience, seeks to make life better. Sometimes most of all we cannot see this reality within ourselves.

I remember a radio interview way back in the 1990’s when Liverpool’s church leaders were asked what resolutions people might make at new year. Archbishop Derek Worlock spoke up. He said he wanted people to celebrate enduring commitment. The enduring commitment of others, and the enduring commitment within themselves. This, he suggested, gives us hope.

Paul.