OUTSTRETCHED arms!

Children run in circles with them, friends greet each other with them, sympathetic helpers support frail folk with them, callers are welcomed by them, lost walkers relieved by them.

Outstretched arms are signs of recognition, acceptance, joy, assurance.

A memorable verse in the Bible assures distressed families that Underneath are His everlasting arms. The writer recognises that the gifts of trust, hope and compassion are marks of God’s presence for ourselves and all about us. We in our turn can each stretch out our arms to welcome, assure, support ad relieve not only friends and neighbours, but strangers and wanderers too. Our arms can reassure, rebuild, restore and refresh. Lets put them to good use.

Come on - let’s stretch out!

DEREK SHARPLES Holy Trinity North Malvern