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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Rev Grace Thomas.

Good morning.

Saturday, for me, is a buzz of activity that revolves around my daughter’s football matches. These are nearly always scheduled for a midday kick off, so they act as a fulcrum, a central point of focus, for the day. A couple of weeks ago, her team approached their match in trepidation – their opposition being a team three divisions above them and vastly more experienced. When the final whistle blew, with a scoreline of 21-nil to the opposition, I alongside the other supporters took a deep intake of breath at the sidelines. Yet, the girls ran off the pitch smiling, patting their teammates on the back. Despite everything, they had enjoyed playing together and being in each other’s company. It had been time well spent, for them, despite the outcome.

I reflected on this after the match. Would I have appreciated the opportunity of playing alongside friends, whatever the outcome? I’m not sure. Just as I know that, when I am rushing around completing activities and tasks, I can be so focussed on the result that I don’t take time to notice and appreciate the joys around me. Jesus encourages his disciples to do just this - to consider the lilies. Indeed, even when it comes to prayer, how often do I take time to appreciate the gift of an ever present and listening God, whilst I rattle off the various petitions of things that I need help with?

Loving God, may I take time today to notice and appreciate the multitude of blessings that I encounter as I undertake the various tasks and jobs of the day, instead of simply being focussed on the desired outcome. May I remember with gratitude the fact that you are with me in all these things, as my companion and my guide.

Amen