Seasons - Pastor's Pen for 19th April 2026

The Feijoa harvest is upon us. Several things are clear; my wife loves to eat them, the Feijoa hedge by the church needs a very good pruning after the harvest, we don't spray or fertilise the plants, so the fruit can be small and sometimes unpromising. However, there is currently an abundance to the point I need to cook and freeze quite a lot. The windy weather has been accelerating the falling of fruit, so before we know it, the Feijoa season will be over.

After nearly six decades of living, I recognise the seasons of my own soul. There are long periods of stability, punctuated by several notable rocky patches in which the wheels fall off, there seems to be a 'dark night of the soul.' These times don't need rhyme or reason, they just seem to arrive unbidden. Hindsight reveals a number of factors have contributed to the problem. I'm happy to report that generally, these times have been like winter pruning and tending the garden, emerging on the other side with more insight and strength. Reliably, regular exercise helps the body to process the inner struggle. You needn't worry, the fact I'm writing about it indicates I'm doing alright presently.

The world has seasons too. Abundance and peace followed by scarcity and concern. We find ourselves currently concerned about significant conflicts abroad and the resulting economic fallout in New Zealand. Even if we are doing ok, many families are struggling with the cost of living. As people of faith, we must respond with faith. Just as running regulates my physical mood, prayer regulates and nourishes the inner person. Often the two go hand in hand for me. Your experience will be different to mine, but some things hold true for all.

Think on the words of Apostle Paul; "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God." (Colossians 3: 14-16) Amen