A few weeks ago it was snowing and for those with small children it was like a happy winter wonderland. The dull greyness of winter transformed into picture postcard prettiness, snowmen to make, snowball fights to be had. For others, of course, it meant slippery paths, white canes invisible and an even greater sense of isolation. While recognising that a snow day isn't everyone's perfect day, there is something about how we embrace the moments we are given that is so important in this time.

So much is stripped back at the moment, all those things we used to be able to go and enjoy are temporarily on hold, but what that stripping back can help us do is notice the simple pleasures in life: dogs chasing snowballs, kids making snowmen, the whiteness outside from the warmth of our houses. Laughter on Zoom with friends and family, curling up with a good book or favourite TV show, finally completing that jigsaw. It is so easy to yearn for what we don't have rather than notice what we do (and I am as guilty as everyone else). When we inhabit the now we can begin to see God's presence in the beauty of this moment, discover joy in what we have and not what we long for.

That doesn't mean that we don't acknowledge the real sadness at the moment; those who have lost loved ones, who are longing to see family and friends again or struggling with job loss, financial insecurity, poor mental health. But we can both acknowledge the pain and discover moments of joy - whether that is a snow day or not!

Our Church without Walls services and groups contiue to meet; there will be Daily Prayer and our weekly contemplative prayer, Sacred Space, both on Zoom and Facebook Live. Talking Point will continue, a weekly discussion group now on Zoom and we also have Chit Chat if you are looking for an informal online 'Coffee Morning'. We are a community always welcoming new people so pop along and get involved!