So, how are you? Did we really mean these words, before this virus caused lockdown? Now, I think, we use them much more sincerely and genuinely. How quickly habits can change! My husband’s daily routine hasn’t changed much, but mine certainly has. It feels very much like a trial run for retirement, on which I am intending to embark before the year is over.

It has been frustrating not to be able to carry out the usual commitments which ministry entails. However, there are compensations which I believe are heaven sent. Our dogs go out in the morning, combining that with a prayer walk as I watch the clouds changing the colour of the Quantocks’ landscape. On Sunday mornings, I celebrate the Eucharist in the study with my husband David whereas, in normal times, we would be worshipping in different churches in our benefice.

I’ve undertaken more reading – sometimes in the garden as I listen to the bird song and watch the birds feeding, before the sun gets too hot and I dive for shelter and coolness. Time and space is available to practice playing my alto saxophone, which helps with a sense of improvement and achievement even when I do forget which key I’m supposed to be playing in!

There seems to be a heightened awareness of all that is going on around us: senses more sharply tuned to sights, sounds and smells – but obviously not touch; sharing and caring, putting ourselves out for others, going the extra mile, seeing Christ more clearly in others. I’m a great believer in good things coming out of not so good situations, and I hope that we can use this God-given time in continuing to serve one another and thereby refresh our relationship with our Creator, Redeemer and Comforter. Alleluia! Amen.

Revd. Maureen Young

Associate Priest

Benefice of Bishops Lydeard