“Simply the best, better than all the rest” sang out Tina Turner as we entered the crematorium at the funeral service of a very lovely lady today. She was just a very lovely lady, fun, lively, full of character and full of love; and love is what it’s all about.
We have seen simply the best in recent weeks in our community in the face of the pandemic. A container of milk and box of eggs left at the gate of a neighbour, bins put out, gifts left for the binmen; medicines collected, shopping lists met and goods left on the path. I read of all of the wonderful stuff going on in our community via social media Facebook Groups; people watching out for one another, sharing good stuff, making us smile. Certainly our church community have tried their best, the task shared amongst us all, key people taking up leadership roles and working through a network of people to keep us all connected. Of course, the post has been invaluable, telephone calls, texts, to keep our lovely older members connected, and e-mail and our online presence has served well as a connection for relationships and worship. The Foodbank volunteers have been keeping this important support open throughout, with care for all. Working alongside Livin’ volunteers many food parcels have been sent out to vulnerable people in need. This pandemic has brought out the best in many of our community.
The best, and sadly sometimes the worst, even though sometimes it has been understandable. The panic buying and hoarding that has left shelves empty for the older people who haven’t got cars and the finances to bulk buy and for the Health Workers who can’t get to those shops so easily. The worst seen in the scenes of abuse on staff doing their best in the shops. The worst in the crowds of young people who know they should not be gathering; they could possibly fight off the virus, the people they spread it to might not. The worst and the best… As we prepare to celebrate Easter in a way we have never before, I am aware that the worst and the best has always been there in people’s responses to crises. The people in Jerusalem, excited to receive Jesus into their city hail Him as King, put palm leaves and cloaks on the road, a royal reception; within a week they are shouting “Crucify Him!”. The best and the worst. Of course, the best of all is love; and with love God responded. In Jesus He took our worst upon Himself, He was crucified and paid the price for all we do wrong. On the third day, innocent, (He had done nothing wrong, so death had no hold on Him),
He rose to new life, a life He shares with those who acknowledges their worst and accepts His forgiveness and love for them, His best. It all boils down to love, and God is love, His is the best. He took our worst and gave us His best, Easter is the best time to realise this truth and accept it for yourself.
Where is God’s love for those gasping for breath, young and old on ICU? He is with the suffering (He knows something about that), He is working in every sacrificial act made for the benefit of others (He knows something about that too). As this Easter is celebrated like no other Easter before, one solid unchangeable truth remains, God loves us, He forgives us and welcomes us as His children, He wants the best for us and if we welcome Him into our hearts His love that overcame death will never ever leave us.
Whatever is to come to us, we will remain safe in God’s keeping love forever and a day; and that is simply the best.
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With love from
Rev. Ann Anderson
Team Rector of the Parish of Great Aycliffe
