Ice skimmed the surface of the pond. Summer’s leaves had fallen from the willow branches and now, barely mirrored in the frozen water, they hung stark and drab. A cluster of ducks huddled together and a small army of geese patrolled the banks, looking for

food.

Holding the hand of a small child, a man crouched beside the water throwing crumbs to the geese. Hissing with aggression, necks out- stretched, the geese broke ranks and scrambled to get to the food first. Protectively, the father drew the child close, away from the geese, so that he would be safe. The tenderness of the father towards his child reminded me of God’s love for us, his children. 1 John 3:1 says: ‘See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!’.

Sometimes the world can seem a cold and unsympathetic place. But do we feel unloved, abandoned? Never! In Deuteronomy 32:10we read: ‘[God] shielded [his people]… as the apple of his eye.’ God is our refuge and our strength; he supports us through all

circumstances, and his love never wavers.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your loving care. Thank you for being our refuge and strength. Amen