A new year. We develop our own rites of passage to mark the shift from one year to the next. What will our approach be to the next 365 days and nights?
If the last few years have taught us anything it is that there are so many things beyond our control. We can only direct how we respond to situations. Ultimately, we may not be able to predict our circumstances but if we do not let our emotions drive our bus then we can have a say in our response.
One of the great gifts of the last few years has been kindness. I wonder if it is just me or if others have noticed that many people are more tolerant, more patient and more kind today than a few years ago. Perhaps the common challenge of covid has convinced us to collaborate with our fellow humans and realise that we all walk the same earth and share a common humanity.
What would Jesus do in covid times? Now there is a question that involves far too much analysis. We would have to consider what his context was and how he responded and derive the essence of his approach and then apply it to today’s world. I can’t manage that – can you?
All I can say is that Jesus would have loved. I don’t know what that would look like and that is ok – because if I am going to follow his example then I just need to do the best I can to be loving in all situations. Some times I will fail (probably many) but some times that love will be the difference.
So let us start 2023 with love.
The Female Theologian 