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Viewpoint from Mary Ives 28/04/2023
 Mary Ives
Licensed Lay Minister
St Mary Magdalene Church, Gorleston
I have just returned home after a wonderful walk through the woods near Burlingham. The sun was shining and, although it was somewhat muddy and not all that warm, it was wonderful to see many signs of spring. For me, spring is the best time of the year as it symbolises hope, and as human beings we need to see there is light at the end of the tunnel. Winter can seem long and tough – and for many people this year it has been exceptionally tough with the cost of living rising - the increase in electricity and gas bills, food prices, council tax bills, water rates etc. The cost of living can be quite frightening for many who have no way of earning more money to cover these spiralling costs. Even through those dark days of winter there have been signs of hope – warm spaces have sprung up, and community support in foodbanks, and places where hot meals have been provided have eased the burden for many
 And now all around we see the signs of new life springing up – the sights of buds, flowers, young animals, nesting birds, butterflies all warm our hearts as we look outside our personal situations, and take an opportunity to be thankful for our wonderful world and the hope enshrined in it. This is just what Easter is to Christians, to those who have faith in Jesus. Jesus’ death on the cross seemed like the end for his disciples – they really hadn’t understood the teaching of Jesus that after three days he would rise from the tomb – defeating death and bringing with it the promise of a reconciliation between man and God. By accepting this amazing fact, we can make a new start, looking at the world differently, seeing the world through the prism of faith in a God who loves us and cares for us
God never promised life would be easy if we follow Him, but he did promise to be with us through the dark and difficult times. In the Bible it says in 1 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness” (The Message). How we like to be strong all the time and not show any weaknesses. Unfortunately, that is not always possible – we all have times when we are overcome with our own limitations and fragility. But God is offering to be our strength when times are tough – so why not give it a try! Tell him about it and ask him for his help, his hope, his peace, his joy this spring
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