Delicate hawthorn blossom made white frothy mounds along the footpath. The overall appearance was stunning.

Spring is a wonderful life-affirming season. But the flowers are vulnerable to the high winds, late frosts, and occasional hailstorms. Such delicate beginnings- and such promise for the future.

I’m writing on the day when local council election results have been declared. Both major parties have suffered losses, and new councillors have been elected to serve.

Response in the media has been predictable. Every reporter seems to be using the same set of results to champion their preferred editorial stance. Amazing how the same bald figures support directly opposite conclusions!

A simple plea: beginnings are such delicate moments. Whatever our own political views can we do one thing? Pray for those in “authority” at both local and national levels of politics- and pray for those who put forward alternative views, and pray for those who…