Eunice came to visit

That was my fence until Eunice popped by.

I have been reminded of a core part of the vision of Gift of Blessing Trust – to root God’s people to withstand the storms that hit us.

Hanging on my wall is the beautiful picture by Tamasin Warnock that Connor commissioned – a picture based on a tree in Richmond Park which was felled by a storm and looked destined for firewood. Yet, deep out of sight, the roots remained and it grew again - to flourish.

This is the vision: God wants each of us to thrive, even in this broken world of storms and droughts.  It is here that we are to make a difference that will impact eternity.  But we need deep roots in Christ to bear lasting fruit.  Then we can draw on the deep springs of his unfailing love to share it with others. Then we receive and become his gift of blessing. 

Like my fence and that Richmond Park tree, after Trevor’s death, my life looked devastated. Four years on, I still have times where I see storm-damage but I also see growth and fruit. Last week, I had the great joy of praying with someone to come to Jesus. And I put up the pics from Connor and Freya’s wedding. So if all you see right now is storm and devastation, know that the winds will die down. When the storms blow, let your roots dig ever deeper into the sure love of God.  He loves you today so much more than you know.

 I love this pic of Trev and two of the boys - a joyous memory. But how amazing that the very best of father-child moments here are just a glimpse of the eternal love we have.

I think this might be my favourite part of “Living for Eternity” -“God has chosen us to belong to him not just for a week or two. We will be God’s children forever. In a world so fragile that a microscopic virus can shake it, God’s fatherly love is permanent, enduring as surely as his faithfulness – for eternity ... As if that was not enough, not only are you born into God’s family, you are also adopted into it! We doubly belong. Forever. “

And this is utterly extraordinary – God has no favourite kids - God loves you as much as he loves Jesus.

This great love is from eternity to eternity. In the words of Geerhardus Vos,

"We have never been absent from nor uncared for by Him. The best proof that He will never cease to love us lies in that He never began".

Here is rich soil to root your life in, secure through every storm.