There's supposedly a Chinese curse, which says "May you live in interesting times.

"I'm guessing it could even be a blessing.

Right now, though, we do live in interesting, even worrying, times.

In Ukraine, people are dying.

Some are innocent civilians; others fighting for causes they believe to be right; some, perhaps because they were ordered to fight.

However, there are more problems and injustices across the world.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban seem to be reverting to type as they order women to cover up, and forbid them the right to anything more than a basic education.

In Syria, a decade - long civil war is still being fought despite half a million deaths.

In Yemen civil war rages; drought in the horn of Africa has created famine conditions across that region, it’s easy to give up hope.

A woman was walking along a beach, stopping every so often to pick something up and put it into the sea.

I asked her what she was doing.

"Returning these starfish to the ocean.” she replied. I pointed out there were hundreds of starfish on the beach, what she was doing couldn't possibly make a difference.

The woman picked up a starfish "It makes a difference to him” she replied.

Two things: we may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future, and we can make a difference where we find ourselves.

Let us do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)

Rev Graham Ransome

Superintendent Minister

South Lakes Methodist Circuit

Swartmoor