I’ve been tidying up piles of books and papers most of the day which is wonderful if you value being able to see the study floor (which I do).  It’s not so good though for one’s sentimentalism, but I’m practising being ruthless … somewhat.

One thing not to be ruthless about is the Compassion appeal letters we have sprinkled around the house.  Today I read two of them.  The stories contained are so heart-breaking it is easier simply not to consider them deeply.  A quick scan is enough to take in the horror of the world’s poverty, and ‘protects’ me from a sense of helplessness at the enormity of it all.

But I have to be careful don’t I, not to shut off completely.  It’s one thing to be sentimental and quite another to be sensitive, to put on the mind of our Lord Jesus in responding to the least and the lost of his world.

The story of the family in Bangladesh, reduced to rading rat’s holes for the rice ferretted from the fields, shocked me into action – as I hope it might do for you.

I’m only sorry these appeal letters have lain buried for weeks – in our piles of books and papers, testament to the wealth with which we’ve been blessed so we can be a blessing to others…

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8