Hello
I write this on the day we're supposed to have an eclipse: a portent if there ever was one the day before A-Level results and the possibility of a bin becoming an MP in Westminster.
While they may all seem seemingly unconnected, nothing ever is. Civilisation has looked to the heavens in wonder for thousands of years, asking what on earth is going on when daft human events seem to coincide.
The Clacton by-election has become a superb example of one man's hubris backfiring. Thinking he could control a political narrative only to be outmanoeuvred by a comedian in costume (with sensible policies such as making fossil fuel companies provide renewable power to homes) reminds us only God is in control.
And God has the best sense of humour.
Then we have exam results; where futures can be decided and dreams made or shattered depending on how well your pen didn't run out of ink in an hour. To think we base our children's prospects of a career and identity off a few answered questions is truly frightening.
And an eclipse: unable to be captured ever again, will come and go but leave eternal impressions on those fortunate enough to see them.
All three show us how instant moments – decisions, answers, witnessing – can have consequences which will define us as created beings. They could be the most beautiful cosmic events, they could be a cause for celebration after years of childhood toil, or they could be freeing a town from deceit and corruption.
These moments are things which we should see the opportunity in and seize it for what God gives us in them. Get to a hillside to see the sun, moon and earth dance around each other. Reassure your loved one they are worth far more than any test result or stranger marking a paper.
Tell the world we will not be held back by the self-interested lying to us for money.
God gave us life to be lived in all its fullness and that means seizing those days when they arrive.
So, to put my money where my mouth is, I've provided a couple of examples from the vicarage garden.
Braddan has an abundance of wildlife which gives us great joy and I had my camera nicked in 2022 when I was on holiday and Russia invaded Ukraine. So these two pictures are the best I could do with a mobile phone through one side of a pair of binoculars. In them you'll see two beautiful acts of creation: one of our many bunnies causing havoc digging up the garden, and one of our regal buzzards which live in the trees here.
Trying to those photos was incredibly difficult. The equipment wasn't right and they were just two out of too many.
But in them, God captured an instant of beauty for us to appreciate forever. A snapshot of what is possible and what is joyous, proving to us that life is about instant decisions, but about making the right ones, so we celebrate the greatest of moments when they present themselves.
God bless,
Daniel