Storms

On Monday and Tuesday this week, severe storms rocked Scotland. Bridges were closed, trains and buses were delayed or didn't run at all.

Some trees have fallen or lost branches. The tree at the bottom of our garden has a permanent lean now.

There has been some damage to buildings. Tiles and slates off roofs; lead flashing hanging on by a thread in some places, resulting in areas close to buildings being cordoned off for public safety.

Yet, even today, I saw things were returning to normal. Unsafe trees were being trimmed of precarious branches or felled. The damage has begun to be repaired.

In a few weeks and months time, the damage will be forgotten. Yes, the storm will be remembered, but the storm damage will be repaired. Things may even improve as the repair has to be to current standards, increasing insulation of the building (maybe).

In life and the life of the church, there are storms. Some small, some big. Damage may be done. Overtime, this is repaired. Looking back, the storm is remembered, but the damage is repaired, relationships are improved and grace steps in.

Forgotten and forgiven through God's grace. Through God's love. Through the church focusing on the really important matters of following Christ and showing his love and service.