Miriam Thurlow writes:

I was recently walking through Humber Bridge Country Park and was struck by one of the comments explaining about the recent increase in flooding of the park. It said it was not a sign that the restoration work had failed, rather it was simply an opportunity for a different kind of tree to flourish, ones which prefer a wetter environment. 

We can look at the world around us feel it is fairly boggy and flooded at the moment, both on a global scale and more locally. It has certainly changed, and we are now in a vacancy as we pray for our next vicar. But what if this was not a problem to be solved but an opportunity for new things and people to flourish? What would it look like for me, for our Network, the world to adapt to the changing environment?

As I’ve reflected on this image for the last month or so I have been asking, Lord there seem to be lots of challenges at the moment, the ground feels a bit boggy beneath my feet, but what if that’s not a change to resist but embrace? What might grow in this altered environment? In us, in our Network, in the communities around us? What might need some careful tending to? What might need to be cut back to make space for a new shoot? What gifts are being stretched, and which are flourishing in a whole new way? What work have you already done in me to prepare me for this next season?

And the simple answer to how we can embrace the changed environment is to stay connected to the water source - the Living Water!

There are 2 images in the Bible that I have been digging into as I have been asking God what He is saying to me through this image:
 
Ezekiel 47:1-12
The river flows from the temple and doesn’t get shallower but gets deeper. There is an invitation to total abandonment to the flow of God, going where He goes. There is not only an abundance of water but also of fruit on the trees and fish in the water. Wherever the river flows it impacts the people and land around it, bringing life and restoration even in the driest desert places. This is all possible because the river flows from the presence of God in the temple.
 
Psalm 1
There is also a river in Psalm 1, and the Psalmist describes those following the way of God as being those who are planted by the stream. The word planted literally means ‘transplanted’ or ‘re-planted’ - a deliberate act to move to a place where the tree will find all it needs to thrive.(listen to a great podcast by Glenn Packiam to discover more: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6VXcyyuFsz9tZ5acRPxErQ?si=6880321525d440c5). 
 
So, as we head into this next season as a Network will we choose to be trees planted by the stream of Living Water? Drinking deep of His live giving water and seeking the presence of God.  Choosing to trust God when the environment feels different or a bit overwhelming. Following the flow of the river and joining in with God’s kingdom work of restoration and bringing to life. Looking out for what new things are beginning to grow.

Reverend Miriam Thurlow Associate Vicar CCBN