2024 April Letter from the Vicarage
Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” opens with words about showers in April. It’s also a month famous for rain in England due to the popular saying: "April showers bring May flowers."
This reflects the common occurrence of wet weather during the month. April is a transitional month between winter and spring, characterized by changing weather patterns. These are associated with the warmer temperatures which increase atmospheric moisture as spring progresses.
We might actually find April showers quite useful if we are British. Rather than enduring an awkward silence with someone we recognise but hardly know, we can revert to a safe conversation about having a lot of weather recently. Too much or too little of the wet stuff is usually a safe topic. Although we might complain about the rain, we know that it is actually necessary and good in appropriate amounts.
Some things we know are good for us, but not pleasant (like medicine) whilst other things are pleasant but not good for us (like chocolate). I don’t think that there are very many things that are both.
But Psalm 133 reminds me of the daily miracle when family members can live together in close, loving, happy, and harmonious relationships.
It’s one of the few things both good AND pleasant. The Psalm ends with the promise that a family living in unity is the place where God chooses to “bestow his blessing: even life for evermore”.
That is something really worth working for with all our energy. Let’s seek that blessing in our families and in the family of God.
Wishing you God’s blessing in your close relationships,
Jean de Garis
Vicar of St Francis, St Lawrence and Hope Church
01722 334214 / vicar@st-francischurch.org.uk