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Good Morning

A friend of mine used to tell me how, when she was a teenager -  like all teenagers – she longed to sleep late on Saturday mornings.  But it didn’t happen.  Far, far too early, her father would stride into her bedroom, throw open the curtains and start talking loudly and enthusiastically: ‘So, what are your plans today? Time to get up and out.  Don’t waste the day.’ And other such encouragements.

Some people greet the new day suddenly and vigorously.  For others, like myself, getting up and out is a fight to disentangle myself from sleep and the night.  It’s just laziness.  But this morning, after nearly a year of Covid-19, there are people who have real cause for wanting to turn away from the day: because they know what it holds. Loneliness.  Another day without a loved one.  The prospect of a long shift at hospital, fighting for too many people’s lives.  Leaving your home and children to look after someone else’s mother or father in a care home.  Not having a job to go to at all.   Worrying where food will come from today.  Trying to teach children on a screen, knowing that many of them have no place or chance to learn at home. 

And yet, people do get up every single morning, no matter how dark it is, and take on the day, no matter how hard.    My prayer this morning is for them. 

Loving God, Be with us when the day ahead is fearful.  The Psalmist says, ‘Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.’  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.