Earlier in the year, my husband and I went to see a show in London called ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.’ It’s a story about a man who is born at the end of his life, rather than at the beginning, and the relationship complications that arise as a result of this.
It was a great musical, made even better by the fact that the actors were also the band so, not only did they act, but they played their instruments live on stage, with some fantastic music.
Of course it was fictitious. In reality we all get older; none of us get any younger as Benjamin Button did!
One of the joys of ministry is the opportunity to spend time with people of all ages. On one day I will be sitting on the floor playing with toddlers at the Edward Bear Toddler Group and on another day leading a Holy Communion Service in a residential care home for the elderly.
The story of Benjamin Button is really one of someone searching for their place in the world, for the meaning in life. And it is something that most of us do at some stage, whether we are 8 years old or 88 years old.
I firmly believe that God has a purpose for us, whatever age we are, and he goes with each one of us wherever we go.
In July it was sad to see two of our young members of the Edward Bear Toddler Group leave us to go to school, but the time is right, and God will go with them as they begin in their respective Reception classes at their new schools.
Similarly, it was sad to see the Year 6 pupils from the 3 schools move on to pastures new, but again the time was right.
Wherever we are in life, and whatever age, God is there for us and, as Orsett and Bulphan’s School Vision says,
‘God’s word is a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path.’ (Psalm 119:105)
And Horndon School’s Vison statement is based upon the verse from 1 Corinthians 12:27, which says,
‘All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.’
Each one of us is created in the image of God, and, as Phil Anderson said when he preached at one of our recent services, ‘None of us are too old or beyond the reach of God and his love for us.’
I hope we can all take encouragement from these verses from scripture.
Several people have been asking when my final service in the Parish will be. It will be on Sunday 31st August at 10am in Orsett Church. It would be lovely to see you if you are able to come along; you are all very welcome.
Take care and God bless,
Sue