Thoughts for the Day

Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord......

They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all they do, they prosper.

The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

I have a big yukka 'tree' in a pot - given to me years ago by a student. Its branches had cigarette burns on it, and it was in a bad way. Now, after changing the soil, enlarging the pot, and after years of careful watering, it is huge and healthy, although has outgrown my little conservatory.

Our Psalm above says we are like a tree planted by a stream. Because our roots go down into the earth and find water, our leaves will not fall and we shall have fruit in due season. In other words when we turn to God and our faith is secure, we shall flourish.

St Paul says the fruits of the Spirit, are 'love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.' This Lent try working on these qualities. Pick an easy 'fruit' and a hard one to work on! Don't despair if things becomes difficult, but keep on trying.

Heavenly Father ,
help us to keep close to You
this Lent,
as we try to make changes
to our life.
Keep us from despair,
and give us hope
as we move towards Easter.
Amen.