Deacons Letter 10 September 2021

Kia ora All Saints whānau,

Hooray for Level 2! This week we (Spences) had friends over who brought takeaways with them and those two things felt like such luxuries. Having some time stuck in our bubble gave me (Emily) the opportunity to take stock of the simple blessings I have. I've been praying most nights with Leon as I put him to bed and considering all the things for which we can thank God. One night I found myself thanking him for our carpet! Sometimes it feels that the world is too heavy and there are so many people and situations that desperately require our prayer, which is true, but in the midst of it all we are so blessed and can praise God for so much.

Summer shared some mental health tips recently, one of which was to focus on each of your senses to 'ground' yourself if feeling anxious or overwhelmed - name things you can see, hear, feel, smell, taste. I found myself going through these as I prayed and thanked God for each of them, which I found helped me see that God was with me in that moment. Perhaps you might like to try this too - what can you be thankful for in your here and now? Are you able to articulate to God your gratitude for the small blessings we often overlook?

May you know the comfort and generosity of the Father's heart as we join him in bringing his kingdom to our homes and neighbourhoods.

Ngā mihi nui,
Emily, Andy, Summer and Guy