opefully by the time you read these words, spring will be in the air! Writing as I am on a particularly cold February morning, that all seems a distant hope. In fact, it's always an extreme weather warning in the McMullen household when I don my bright red Guernsey sweater. It was bought on honeymoon in the Channel Islands almost sixteen years ago and is as good as new apart from being just a little frayed around the cuffs - probably just like its owner! Last night it was far too inclement even to risk changing and I arrived to take Junior Section Bible study in red jumper and navy blue trousers only to be mistaken for a Girls' Brigade officer!

This morning it's far worse across the water and my heart went out to an unfortunate BBC weather girl standing in front of a snowbound, picturesque Worcester Cathedral having to give updates every ten minutes or so. How did she maintain her smile and stop her teeth from chattering? Today there's a severe weather warning across most of England and Wales with motorists being advised only to make absolutely necessary journeys.

It never ceases to amaze me with all our sophisticated computer technology and equipment how a bit of bad weather can bring the whole country grinding to a halt. Flights were cancelled to and from fogbound London airports for several days in the pre-Christmas rush, causing commuter chaos and endless disruption with luggage taking days to relocate. Today as a result of snow hundreds of schools are closed and again there is that sense of paralysis, albeit much to the delight of hundreds of children enjoying an extra day's holiday.

Undoubtedly this is an age of unparalleled achievement and mind-boggling advancement. The virtual reality of a game of football on my sons' play station is a case in point. In fact when I'm playing with Samuel or David it's all so life like that my team Chelsea looks as if they won't win the league there either!

On the other hand, so often we have reminders of our weakness, frailty and vulnerability. And that's not just to do with being subject to the elements. There is something endemic in the human condition that needs a cure.

As the resurgent life of spring strengthens its grip leaving the cold deadness of winter behind, once more we find ourselves travelling along the road towards Easter. Frosty motorways are constantly gritted, but this less travelled route has been set free by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. For us the entire life journey home has been gloriously prepared by His death and Resurrection, and there are signposts of his love and goodness everywhere. He is the One who took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. However cold the morning and frosty the roads for us, we can now reach our destination safely in Him. No weather warning will force us to stay at home and surrendered to Him we can enjoy the precious, warming glow of His Holy Spirit as we travel in faith.

May the Lord bless you and yours as we approach the sacredness of Easter together!

Agape!

Charles McMullen

The author

Charles McMullen is minister for West Church and his main passion is to help people discover the great love God has for them.

Please share this article with others!

For any further information contact the church office.