Driving away the fear

Spiritual reflection to start the day with writer and broadcaster, Fiona Stewart.
Script:
Good morning.
I’ve noticed that I’m not very good at celebration. If I plan a party, I’m the person worrying that nobody will show up, and once I’ve completed something, I find myself wanting to move to the next challenge. I may be focussed and productive, but I can miss out on rejoicing and marking life’s great moments.

In the biblical book of Ecclesiastes there are famous verses that speak of the times and seasons of life. The writer states that in life there is:

A time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

These verses describe activities best done in the company of others. Of course we can dance and laugh alone, just as we can weep and mourn alone, but there is something particularly significant about choosing to celebrate or commiserate in community. When we are happy or sad in the company of others we discover common ground.

The poet Maya Angelou wrote:

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

In these days of polarisation and isolation, with a national epidemic of loneliness, there is help to be found in sharing life’s joys and burdens, crying and laughing together in the face of adversity, and driving away the fear.

Loving God
Grant us patience with others today. Help us find time to celebrate and commiserate with those around us: in our families, our communities and the world at large. Amen