Joy in the small things.

We are wrestling with two challenging little parables of Jesus this morning in Luke 13. As I write this the day is just such a beautiful day. After the lovely rain of the past couple of weeks today's sunshine makes me think, "It can't get much better than this". Light wind, low 20 degree temperatures, cloudless sky, freedom to live and move and have our being. It's so important to value and celebrate what we have been given. If I don't celebrate it I stop seeing it and regarding it as special. Simple things are special.Sally used a lovely illustration on Sunday when she asked Olivia to go get a glass of water. While Livy was gone Sal explained that large sections of the world walk up to 8km daily to get water. Livy returned with a glass of safe, clean water in less than 30 seconds. Point made. Thank you God.  Cheryl's garden is leaping out of the ground after the rain, new life everywhere. Stop and have a look at new growth and life. It's really important. Pam's book club is reading Surprised By Hope by Tom Wright. He argues the bible's clear teaching on heaven is that it is a real body and a renewed earth that we will inherit not a cloud and a harp. Appreciating and living life well here and now is vitally important. Celebrate the beauty and joy of all the small blessings now.We have three new babies in our church and one due shortly - pray for the gormless grandparents who are probably in for a shock - as well as some delightful toddlers. Pray for these fortunate parents and families. There's too much emphasis on the difficulties of parenthood. What about the joys? Life and joy. In Jerusalem I was in the city of the great king. Isaiah introduced it as the city of Gods great banquet. The Bright engaged Jews I met celebrated it as the focal point of the universe. This has hugely problematic political consequences but it is something to see people who love their country. We are on the cusp of an election. As Christians, what do we have to celebrate? What do we have to thank God for? What should we really be praying for? How should we be and think? Perhaps Jesus will leave us a few tips this morning from Luke 13.BlessingsMalcolm