Rev Norman Hamilton: Making changes to your life will help you cope better in the pandemic

Most of us know that we are living in changed and changing times. Some of that change is by personal choice - such as doing more online shopping.
By Rev Norman Hamilton
Published 7th Nov 2020, 07:46 GMT
@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland-19th October 2011 Mandatory Credit-Picture by Brian Little/Presseye.com News Letter Former Presbyterian Moderator, Rev Dr Norman Hamilton who will be speaking at the forthcoming Ulster GAA Conference.@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland-19th October 2011 Mandatory Credit-Picture by Brian Little/Presseye.com News Letter Former Presbyterian Moderator, Rev Dr Norman Hamilton who will be speaking at the forthcoming Ulster GAA Conference.
@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland-19th October 2011 Mandatory Credit-Picture by Brian Little/Presseye.com News Letter Former Presbyterian Moderator, Rev Dr Norman Hamilton who will be speaking at the forthcoming Ulster GAA Conference.

Some is required of us by government, as in the restrictions on who can and cannot come into our homes, or the need to wear masks in shops; some of it is more international and global, such as the long-term impact of Brexit and our warming climate.

Recently I was having a general conversation with a friend about how the change is affecting us all in some profound and at times very disconcerting ways. In the course of our chat he said to me: “Norman, what needs to change in your life that will help you cope better with all this change around us?”

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That was a very direct and a very pertinent question - and one that I have thought about a great deal in the past few weeks. I have realised that there are many things that I could - even should - do differently.

For example, how I relate to my neighbours and friends; how much money I keep for myself and how much I give away in a very needy world; where to spend time and energy most fruitfully.

But at the moment, my thinking is focussed on asking God and allowing God to cultivate greater kindness in the way I live, rather than my only doing random acts of kindness when the mood strikes me.

That is explicitly taught in the Bible, and so I must pay real attention to it. It is highlighted in Galatians 5 alongside other qualities such as patience and self control - and as such these go against the spirit of the age which is so often competitive, self-centred, and individualistic - and which so rarely seems to bring contentment and joy.

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We have seen much kindness in action in recent months, and great credit needs to be given both publicly and privately where credit is due. Neighbours, local community groups, churches and many local businesses have often worked hard at doing what they can to help local people, especially those who have been, and still are, vulnerable in the health pandemic.

But as the evenings get darker; as weariness and fears set in, as lockdowns at various levels seem set to continue, both the need and the opportunity for God to embed kindness in our thinking and in our day to day living is very compelling.

As the question was asked of me, may I pass it on to you to mull over?

What needs to change in your life that will help you cope better with all this change around us, and will you allow and welcome the help of God’s spirit to make that needed change a permanent and enriching reality?

A question better answered than avoided.

Related topics:BrexitNeighbours