Late Night Thoughts

It's way past 11pm and I am still up. Next door they are still out in the garden celebrating a 17th birthday party [but in a very subdued way now- no cause for the neighbours to complain!] Bob is out visiting a church member whose husband has just died - the phone call came a few moments ago. George had been very ill, it was not unexpected - but I still feel sad for his widow who has lost her life partner of sixty years or so. Both of them fine Christian folk and dear friends.

Tomorrow's service will have to start with an announcement and the congregation will grieve with Ellen - but we will rejoice that George's suffering is over.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.

Lord, bless those who celebrate tonight - and bless those who mourn - and be with us in every situation of our lives. Amen