Exciting times ahead

In my experience, ‘thresholds’ can be one of the three things: fun, exciting or scary.

For anyone lucky enough to be married, you could have felt all three emotions as you carried your bride over one on your Wedding Day?

Most of us have experienced a new beginning or maybe several; some as humble as a new job, while others could include buying a house or even moving to a new country.

But one thing looks certain – all of us are about to go through one together with the COVID-19 restrictions finally coming to an end in June.

Many are talking about ‘life going back to normal’. But that is likely to prove a fallacy with many of the High Street shops we have known for decades now consigned history, having fallen victim to the cruel pandemic.

For some, a night out at the pub maybe something they will have learned to do without, while holidaying in some of the most beautiful parts of Britain may prove as enjoyable and more than the equal of overseas locations like the Costa del Sol.

In truth, there are some fascinating times ahead after our spell in the wilderness. And this is particularly true for our churches, which have been locked into doing things the same way for centuries.

After more than a year on Zoom – when those who are Sunday regulars have become used to seeing each other personally at least once a week – maybe these words in the Bible will help you reflect...

‘Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history.

‘Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.

‘It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?’

 Time to get excited guys. I am, for sure.

Hugh Southon is a former Fleet Street journalist and the founder of the successful Claret&Hugh website.