May 2010

"No news is good news", or maybe, "Good news is no news".

It can certainly seem like that at times. But why? Perhaps it is in part because good actions are normal, everyday occurrences. We are used to them. They are not, in that sense, "news".

Thankfully, the items which come on our television screens, out of the radio, down our computers and in the newspaper are usually there because they are rare and exceptional; not normal everyday occurrences.

So why do we focus quite so much on what is not normal and everyday?

St. Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi telling them to think on all those things which are just and true and honourable and good and commendable. Sound advice!

This is not to say that we should ignore the bad or, worse still, pretend it is not there. Far from it. But it is to say that we need more of a focus on "good news stories", normal, everyday stories of good and kind actions.

What you and I focus upon with our thoughts and attention shapes how we develop, just as what we eat affects our physical health and well-being.

So here are some good news items to focus on:

• Recently a further lorry load of medical and other supplies was sent from Hereford to the earthquake victims in Haiti. You probably sent money to them and those in Chile and still pray for them
  
  
• There are a huge number of people who care for ill or disabled family members day after day, pouring out love and kindness
  
  
• There was a night shelter in a church hall in Hereford for homeless people for many of the weeks of this very long, cold winter
  
  
• Food is provided for homeless people by many churches and individuals
  
  
• Just think of all the voluntary work undertaken by you and others whom you know in your congregations and villages
  
  
• And what about all the major national Charities like Samaritans, Christian Aid, Oxfam, Help the Aged, Breast Cancer Haven, Hospices…

The list goes on and on and on. And so it should. It is all part of the outpouring of the goodness and love in each of us. We need to celebrate and rejoice in all that is good. It is part of the continuing flow of God's risen love and life in us.