Dear Friends,
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit”
John 15:1,2 (NRSV)
Blossoms are blooming and bees are buzzing…Spring is here and summer is around! I enjoy spending some time in my garden- often between weeding, tending my young plants and of late picking some ripe strawberries. This practice has kept me rejuvenated especially this time of lockdown. I love my garden. And, how does your garden look?
Let us think about God’s purpose for us. We were made to love God. Each of us stands before an open plot of land. God will scour Heaven and earth to provide us with what we need to plant and maintain a beautiful garden of love, intimacy, and fellowship with Him. Not a second of our existence passes without God thinking about how to turn our hearts toward Him. Not one single second.
With all the disturbances from lockdown and the unrest in the world, there is the temptation to slack in the things of faith. Today, I am reminding and encouraging you not to stop tending the garden of your soul. Whether you’re a person of faith or not, finding something that can inspire you spiritually can light you up. Spiritual replenishment requires that you get out of the mode you are usually in. And it helps you get centred on your higher purpose. Some Christians get recharged by getting together and talking about what has happened or just kicking back and enjoying each other’s company. Some prefer to be alone, to think and pray, and wind down slowly. You may have your different way- but definitely, You want to keep spiritually replenished.
In God’s eyes, our lives will not be measured by our activities or ministry events, but by how much we have loved and forgiven others, by how much quality time we have spent in prayer and silence, loving and caring for those who have been entrusted to us, rather than thinking: “If I had had more time, I would have done…” (Carlos Obando).
For your reflection:
- What are you presently doing with your time?
- Do you feel there is not enough time to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10)?
Friends, as we move to more relaxation of the lockdown restrictions, I would like to announce that you will now be receiving this pastoral letter fort-nightly (every two weeks). I hope this will give all of us time to focus on new challenges and opportunities as we prepare for a return to normal?
Your Friend & Minister,
Revd. Adam Nyawo