One of the privileges of my work is meeting some amazing people – amazing not because they are celebrities or high profile people – but amazing because of what they are doing and how they are coping in the face of adversity.
Like the couple who are quietly supporting each other through terminal illness and making the most of the time they have left together.
Like the mum who is doing her best to support her young adult children as they find their way in life in the midst of all the comings and goings of a family home.
Like the person who refuses to let her cancer treatment suck the life out of her.
I am humbled by their strength of character, their positive mindset and their ability to see life beyond their own challenges. I am sure they must have their dark moments – but I find them inspirational.
And my prayer for them, as it is for all of you, is that they will know God’s peace – helping them through those dark moments; reminding them that THEY are precious to God; encouraging them that they are NOT alone and NEVER will be.
Hard times come to us all. Some people seem to get more than their fair share of troubles and it is difficult to imagine all the headaches and heartache that some people have to endure. But we all have a role to play in supporting each other: being willing to listen, slow to judge and ready to help where needed. And when we do this, we are truly fulfilling God’s call to love our neighbour as ourselves.
So, may you know God’s peace, strength, wisdom and help in the midst of the challenges you face and may you be a channel of God’s love to encourage neighbours, friends and family around you.
Yours,
Peter Chantry
