At the moment we are in the few days between Ascension Day and Pentecost (or ‘Thy-Kingdom-Come-tide you could call it). I found myself preaching on waiting at my church. My family helpfully thought it was hilarious that I should be speaking on such a topic as I am not known as the most patient in my household. Given how many times I have hit ‘refresh’ on the government’s multi-purpose community facility guidance web page this week, they may have a point.

But I had to remind myself of what I said to others last Sunday – waiting isn’t supposed to be a passive thing. Whilst the disciples waited for the spirit to come they gathered, they prayed and they even chose a new disciple. They got on with things. Waiting was active – not about making ourselves busy, but rather preparing for the future. How apt!

So can I challenge you to wait well this week? One of the lessons from the ‘BigPCC Away Days’ over the last month and our recent series of conversations with parishes is that we all need help to wait well – preparing to re-open by taking time to reflect on what should not be restarting to give space to the new things we want to keep going. Taking time to read guidance and attend webinars that will encourage and inform.

Waiting isn’t just about hitting refresh on the web browser. But perhaps hitting refresh on your soul. May your active waiting bring joy, and signs of the kingdom. Thy Kingdom Come, after all.