During last week I encountered two completely contrasting situations.

Firstly, while I was taking a walk around Tilgate Lake, very early one morning, two swans sailed silently past me. The mother had two babies nestled on her back, securely protected by her arched wings. It was a picture of peace and serenity. In contrast, I heard of a prisoner, whose wife had suddenly passed away, but who was unable to attend his wife’s funeral. Agonising for him and far from the idea of peace and serenity.

During these strange days, there are many who need our prayers; some are in obvious need, others hide their distress, so please pray not only for those we know about who are struggling, but also for those who, although they may appear to be serenely gliding through life, may actually be paddling like fury just below the surface.

Amen.

Marilyn Appleby