Bring comfort

A few days ago, I was having a new boiler fitted. Obviously, there would be no water or heat for a number of hours. To prepare for this I filled buckets of water for the bathroom, made sure the kettle was full and various saucepans were filled with clean water. A small blow heater was unearthed as on the day it was really cold. A pot of homemade vegetable soup was made early in the morning. I was prepared! After six hours (there were a few complications) the boiler was fitted and we had heat and water.

I was fussing beforehand and then I was completely ashamed of myself. I was thinking about the poor people affected by the dreadful earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. They are having to cope with the destruction of their homes and the deaths and injuries of loved ones. No heat, no running water and precious little food. The magnitude of the earthquakes was so great that it negated any preparation they might have done.

I’m sure there is more preparation I could be doing in my spiritual life. Perhaps a very late New Year Resolution to do more is called for.

Dear Lord, whatever trials we face, help us to remember all those who are suffering so much more. Bring comfort to the bereaved, strength and healing to those suffering and the assurance of your love to all.