TURNING EVERYTHING TO GOOD:

I think we all have those favourite passages of Scripture, to which we can turn for hope and consolation and I think you know that one of mine is the eighth chapter of St Paul’s letter to the Romans, where you hear Paul wrestling with the problem of evil; seeing the whole of creation “groaning in one great act of giving birth” and recognising that “we too groan inwardly as we wait for our bodies to be set free”. Yet he goes on to recognise that the Spirit “comes to help us in our weakness” and will express “our plea in a way that could never be put into words”. I find this utterly consoling, namely that, if I can let go, the Spirit is already praying in me and through me. And then Paul crowns it with this telling reminder: “We know that by turning everything to their good God co-operates with all those who love him, with all those that he has called according to his purpose.” These past couple of weeks have challenged me to think again about the wondrous gift of faith, which does acknowledge that we are in the hands of God, that we are not in control and that it is only when we truly co-operate with God that we allow the Spirit free reign in our lives. I reiterate what I have already shared with you: namely, that my recent health problems surely provide a wonderful opportunity for all of us to take stock and seek to discern how to turn everything to good.

And speaking of the good, I did share on my recorded message that yesterday morning (Thursday) one of the specialists at the Stroke Unit phoned me and began the conversation by assuring me that they only phone when they have ‘good news’! It seems that while there may be some evidence that I did experience a TIA, they cannot be certain, and it is better to err on the side of caution. Accordingly, we will see through this month of treatment and, all things being equal, I may resume driving on the last day of the month. We will also complete the remaining checks next month and have a further discussion at the clinic in due course. So, thank you for all the messages of good will and encouragement: they have been overwhelming, but remind me of how blessed I am to be in the midst of such a loving and caring community.