May whispers in colours bright,
With flowers blooming in the light,
Trees dress in leaves, a delightful sight,
Nature’s heart beats with might.
May arrives gently, bringing a sense of relief after the long winter months. The countryside awakens with bluebells in the woods and lambs in the fields, while longer evenings and warmer days hint at the approaching summer.
As the natural world settles into a display of beauty, the world of people can often seem unstable, like shifting sand. Fuel prices rise and trusted systems become uncertain. Just as things appear to steady, change comes again, and many of us feel the impact of this instability in our daily lives.
The good news of faith is that we are held by something far more constant than the world’s changing headlines. In Christ, peace is found—a stillness that does not depend on stability but is always there for us to return to. After the first Easter morning, when Jesus’ disciples remained locked away, fearful of what might happen, Jesus appeared among them and said, ‘Peace be with you’ (John 20:19). He brings a peace that surpasses all understanding. Where there is peace, there is also joy and love. Through the peace we have in God, both as individuals and as a community of disciples, we can show one another the meaning of the Easter message. One of the most powerful ways to reflect God’s love is by simply serving those around us. Our generosity, willingness to listen and help, kindness, encouragement, and joy communicate the peace of God.
God’s stillness surrounds us, but we do not always notice. Even on our familiar walks and journeys, signs are everywhere. This week, for me, it has been the skylarks in the field and the abundance of cowslips. If we make time and space, we may discover joy—not because the world is certain, but because God is present.
In the church, we celebrate Rogation Sunday on 10th May. This year, we will walk the paths and fields of Risby. Rogation comes from the Latin rogare, meaning ‘to ask.’ As we walk, we pause to give thanks for the land and ask God’s blessing, encouraging fellowship and blessing crops and all of God’s creation. The walk will begin at 9.30am from St Giles church, Risby (dogs are welcome), followed by a celebration service in the church at 11.00.
As we look forward to all that lies ahead, may the God of all hope and life hold you in love, light, and peace through this season and beyond.
Blessings
Revd Nicola
