Over the summer, I enjoyed reading a book containing the early history of the Supermarine company – ‘The Spitfire Kids’ by Alasdair Cross was an excellent read. It explained how Supermarine developed from its early days in Southampton to being geographically dispersed to avoid bombing by the Luftwaffe..

It got me to thinking about how our lives often follow a path which we could never have predicted. I get regular reminders of this when I take funerals, hearing from family members about the life of the deceased, with twists and turns that take in various relationships, changes of location, job, life stage etc.

There’s a verse from the Bible which I have on the wall in my study, above the year planner board: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16.9). The Covid pandemic has taken so many things in unanticipated directions, including tragedy and trauma for millions of people around the world. But God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and He doesn’t change, whatever the circumstances. So we can rely on Him and walk with Him through all the ups and downs of life.

The current book I am reading is ‘Gentle and lowly’ by Dane Ortlund, reflecting on the only time when Jesus Himself spelled out His nature. In Matthew 11 Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest … I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” What a great invitation that is.