Spring a time to get out and about

Spring is finally here.
For many, it feels like it has been a long Winter, with some particularly cold weeks and a nasty flu season.
At one point, the news reported some elective surgeries were being deferred because some hospitals were so overwhelmed by people with flu. Schools also reported higher numbers of students and staff away with sickness.
So, I think we’re all glad to see the change of season and feel the warmer weather.
This new season is more than just a shift in temperature.
It’s an invitation – to step outside, breathe deeply, and reconnect with both nature and one another.
One of my favourite rhythms in the week is to do parkrun most Saturday mornings.
It’s a great time to get outside (especially at this time of year) and do some exercise.
But parkrun isn’t just about exercise – it’s about community.
There is such a good group of people at parkrun, and it’s been a great joy getting to know other people.
If you’ve never been, come along. You don’t have to run the 5km – you can also walk it. Come along and enjoy.
The other thing I love to do at this time of year is to bushwalk.
It’s such a great opportunity to get out in nature and enjoy “creation”.
It’s good physically as well as emotionally. But it’s also good as a family to go together, or with friends. Again, community.
So, as we enjoy the Spring weather, let me encourage you to think about how you can take a step this Spring into nature and into community.
We all need to get away from devices and from screens and enjoy the outdoors with other people.
As Psalm 19:1 beautifully says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Creation reminds us that there’s something – Someone – greater than ourselves.
When we step into nature, our hearts are lifted, and our perspective shifts. Enjoy spring – and share it with someone else.