Half a Sixpence

                                                                             Half a sixpence        

 

Half a Sixpence is the name given to a book and play about a young man, who, with his friends, was a bit fed up with working hard for little reward. His attention was taken by a rich young lady living the life to which he aspired. Suddenly he received a bequest, out of the blue he’d become rich, he proposed to the said young lady and tried, quite unsuccessfully to adapt to her life style. So having been given what he thought he wanted, he still wasn’t content! He, happily, managed to escape his new life style and return to his original status in life marrying the love of his childhood. What a very happy ending!

How often do we think the grass greener on the other side of the road, only to discover that, in truth, it really isn’t? It’s good to dream but do these dreams come from a place of dissatisfaction  or from a sense of adventure? Do they come from greed or from a sense of longing to be fulfilled? Do we grumble about our position in life or do we turn our grumblings into a healthy seeking after goodness?

Joseph, in the Old Testament, was a shepherd boy but he had a dream about all his older brothers bowing down in front of him. Out of the blue, he found himself a roller coaster ride of life. One moment things were dreadful, the next moment they were amazingly good. Whatever he did, he tried to do it well, asking God for help. Eventually, with God’s inspiration, he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and became Pharaoh’s second in command and his brothers came begging for help at a time of famine You can read the story in the Bible Genesis 36:18-36 & Genesis 42-45.

What are our dreams? Do they come with a good attitude and how are we going to position ourselves for their fulfillment? Are they for now or do we need to learn some lessons before they can be fulfilled? In which case, let’s get learning!

 

Whatever it is, let’s put our trust in God for His timing and live life to the full!

Light

Have you ever walked into an unfamiliar dark room and not known where the light switch is? It can be a bit embarrassing if it’s a toilet! What was your reaction?  You were probably very sensible and asked for help. Or did you give up or, just perhaps panic a little bit!

There’s no doubt about it that having some sort of light really helps when it’s dark! I’ve got a little solar powered torch light which gives me just enough light if I need it at night.

What else gives us light?

Some of us may have enjoyed lightning, followed by the very refreshing rain. That light is stunning and beautiful but doesn’t last for long.

The sun, the moon and the stars. There’s something beautiful about a moonlit night! They last for a bit longer.

But what about the darkness inside us? Do you ever feel dark and empty inside? Maybe, you try to put on a smiley face to others around, but deep inside you feel pretty rough!

What can help in these situations? What can bring light into our inmost being?

In 2017, after the terrifying, appalling and deadly terrorist attack during her concert, Ariana Grande returned to the Manchester Arena for the ‘One Love Manchester’ concert. Marcus Mumford, lead singer of the band Mumford and Sons, opened the concert by proclaiming ‘love casts out fear’. In the same concert, Justin Bieber who despite his tears, went on to declare, ‘I’m not going to let go of love, not going to let go of God. God is good in the midst of darkness. God is in the midst. And He loves you. And He is here for you.’

It was like a bright light in the midst of the darkness. Does that give us hope?

Justin Beiber may be a famous pop star but even he went through a messy time before he found Jesus.

So how can we receive that light, which like the rain, brings relief to the pressure, darkness and hopelessness inside?

Jesus said “I am the light of the world and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light”

Why not ask Him? Go on give it a try!

 He also said ‘Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble and easy to please’.

 Ask Jesus to give you light! Join your life with His!