The Challenges of February

It is not easy to love February. It comes towards the end of our winter, when we are tired of the cold and the wet. Our energy levels are low and all our usual activities seem so much harder work. And yet. There is perceptibly more light, especially in the afternoon. Snowdrops appear so unexpectedly. Green stems start pushing up in our gardens. Catkins shower their grace. Occasional shrubs begin to bloom, like the unlikely camellia. And underneath it all we can sense the great power of our natural world, preparing to renew itself once more.

Of course we are all invited to love within February. There are the flowers and frills of Valentine’s Day. More down to earth, there is the suggestion that we find out more about God’s loving purposes in his son Jesus. Our great learning begins on Ash Wednesday (18 February) and stretches through to the gift which is Easter. We can choose how we use this time to join our individual loves together, making them as splendid and as productive as the Spring on our horizon.

This year we may need all the resources of God’s Holy Spirit. We know of so many places in our world which are flooded, or afflicted by drought; where the natural cycles of die back and renewal are catastrophically interrupted. And of others where human conflict has made living together in peace impossible. Our shared knowledge of love is urgent. 

Giver of gifts,                                                                                       

bestower of beauty,                                                                                 

you who inhabit all our seasons, all our moods,                                                  

lift us to such sight of your glory                                                                           

as will bring us to worship                                                                          

and teach us your love.                                                                                       

Amen