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Good morning.

I’m fortunate to be the father of three wonderful sons.Ìý But even in a stable family, lockdown is challenging.

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Two days ago, the 17 year old was irritated because teachers are still setting work - even though his view, as he contemplates an indefinite period in his parents’ company, is that everything is now meaningless.

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The 14 year old was in distress. All the data on his USB disk had mysteriously and irrevocably disappeared.

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The 6 year old was crying because nobody wanted to play computer games with him.

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My wife – a teacher - Ìýwas tearing her hair out trying to get peace to correspond with very reluctant students.

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And in the middle of it all, I was trying to concoct some profound thoughts to inspire Radio 4 listeners to pray in the morning. The hullabaloo around me wasn’t helping. It’s hard to inspire prayer when your blood pressure is skyrocketing. Ìý

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Of course I realise this season will bring tough days – but if everybody could just be reasonable and take it in turns to have their bad day, things would be much more tolerable.

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Yesterday was better. 17 year old voluntarily wrote his essay. 14 year old looked after 6 year old in the garden. My wife had a full turn out for her online lesson. And my breathing was normal as this script took shape. For all of this, I am truly thankful.

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Heavenly Father – children are a gift from you and a wonderful blessingÌý - but we are all deeply flawed characters, so life in families can sometimes be challenging. Today we pray for those for whom family life is dangerous. Protect vulnerable children especially during this period of lockdown. Thank you that your Father’s heart is always compassionate. Help us to be secure in your selfless love. Amen