Hasn’t it been good having some fine weather this week? A bit of sunshine makes all the difference in these days as we move towards winter. It not only warms the body – it also changes the way we see things – gives us a different perspective on the world around us. A number of other things contribute to our individual perspectives and the way we interpret events and people. Our own views are seen through many different lenses: our family history and traditions, our own personality, our life experiences and the knowledge we have gained, and the attitudes we have developed. This means that each of us has a unique view on life. No two of us are likely to have exactly the same views, understanding or experiences. This can make for a rich and diverse and enriching conversation or it can lead to misunderstanding, tension and even violence.
On Sunday we will marking ANZAC Day. Each of us will bring to the service attitudes and views that reflect our own experiences, family history, and knowledge and understandings we have garnered over the years. Some will have a family history of members who served with honour and integrity, others will remember pain and degradation, and others will remember the grief of lost love and shattered dreams. For some there will be memories of husbands, fathers, sons who returned home shattered and disillusioned and ill – wishing they had died on the field. Others will remember the difficulties they experienced at home because a member of their family refused to fight and was labelled “conscientious objector”.
We will bring all these views to our worship on Sunday as we remember the effects of war on all our lives. We also bring new perspectives and understandings and a respect for differences. These are what we need for the future.
On the front of the order of service you will see red and white poppies – red for remembrance and white for hope for the future. I hope you will wear a poppy of whatever colour – maybe even one of each.
Shalom
Jim
To view the full e-news click on this link: https://mailchi.mp/ef998aff340d/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-4749830
