³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Chine McDonald

Good morning,

When I lived in Greenwich, south-east London, one of my favourite things to do was walk along the Thames near the grounds of the Cutty Sark. Launched on this day in Dumbarton, Scotland, in 1869, the Cutty Sark was one of the last clippers built. While it’s the only one surviving, the majestic ship has been through a tough time in recent years. It suffered two devastating fires. Often when I saw the Cutty Sark standing tall, I was reminded that the phoenix really can rise from the ashes. After each fire, which threatened the ship’s very existence, came a process of restoration and revival.

At times in my life, I’ve felt that sense of devastation – when the unexpected happens and knocks me sideways. Life itself is a rollercoaster, with twists and turns, that can sometimes drive us off course. It can be hard to think things will ever be restored again. The Bible is full of stories of those times when all has felt lost – the Israelites in exile in Egypt, the great flood that engulfs the whole world, the crucifixion of Christ. In the midst of those trials and tribulations, there would have been a temptation to despair and submit to the darkness.

And yet. After each period of suffering came rescue, hope and joy. Like we have seen with the Cutty Sark, new life can spring forth after death. Belief in God doesn’t make us immune to suffering, it doesn’t protect us from the heat and difficulties of life. But it does mean that in the midst of it all, we can look forward to a brighter future.

God of rescue, thank you that right in the middle of our grief and despair, you suffer alongside us. Today, may we feel a peace that passes all understanding. Amen.