After a very busy day today we decided to invite a friend to come with us and drove to Sidmouth for fish and chips by the sea. I need to point out that I was sharing a meal with Ken, who was behind the camera!
Ken’s family have always farmed, and so holidays have not really been a part of his, or our annual routine, something which friends find hard to comprehend. Instead a day out, or even an evening, can be a real treat. Sometimes we might get a day out for the very reason that it is too wet to carry out the farming tasks, so even a day out in the pouring rain can be a bonus!
I am sure that all of us are preoccupied in various ways with the images we have seen again this week of refugees attempting to flee desperate situations. Tonight I give thanks for freedom and security and for the pleasure of seemingly simple things, like fish and chips on a beach. I pray again for those who have lost everything, including members of their families, and ask God that compassion will prevail and that we will recognise, and meet, our responsibility for our fellow human beings in this time of crisis.
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
(Matthew chapter 25, verses 37-40, New International Version)
