Photo was taken in Hyde Park, London, (Eng)

Hyde Park is in central London, just at the end of Oxford Street. It is a massive park made up of 253 hectares or 625 acres. Having such a huge green belt in the middle of a massive city is a great blessing for so many people, who use it to relax, go for a walk or cycle through its many paths.

Thought on Saturday – May – 14/05/2011

‘As I watch the news and keep in touch with places I have visited, I am more than ever grateful for a spirituality which never denies darkness and pain. The journey in life must be one of continuing growth and transformation.’ ~Esther de Waal

It would be great if everything was cosy and rosy every single day. Unfortunately life is a mix of so many contrasts, happy and sad, elation and devastation, light and darkness, success and hurt, health and sickness, life and death. Every religion has its weaknesses but thankfully many strengths too. Christianity embraces everything that life throws at us and includes every contrast in life that’s out there. We believe that God is with us in every good and happy moment but also with us in the darkness and pain as well. When we are in the darkest corners we need to know that we are not on our own and that there is a way forward. Our belief is that God is the one who helps us through what is painful and difficult. There are no easy options, no quick fixes and no magic wands. But one thing we are guaranteed is that God is firmly on our side.