An Easter Message from Steve Gough

The beautiful grounds of Mayfield are becoming even more resplendent as Easter approaches yet again. It is truly wonderful to witness trees coming into bud, heavenly blossom appearing together with an abundance of spring blooms – especially against the backdrop of the majestic Old Palace.

Easter is clearly an opportunity for us to be humbled by the beauty of nature and perhaps for all of us to reappraise our relationship with the natural world - and with God.

God’s creation gave us truly the most perfect planet but there is evidence all around that we are far from the ‘stewards of creation’ that was His intention.

Many have been sucked into a selfish consumerist lifestyle that is a problem for the natural world and hideous for the soul – Easter is the perfect time for us to transition to a more sustainable lifestyle that embraces the natural environment.

A minimalist lifestyle has a multitude of benefits and for some is worth aiming for, but understandably the aesthetic doesn’t appeal to many. Surely it is worth considering a ‘third way’ such as that of OC Tara Button who has written ‘A Life Less Throwaway’ and who has created the online shop ‘BuyMeOnce’ which promotes an effective way of releasing us from the relentless pressure to purchase again and again, so easing us from excess and clutter. A lifestyle that reduces our carbon footprint and enables us to have a much more sustainable and connected existence is surely to be embraced.

Finally, let us give thanks to God as we look forward to Easter and to the final bursts of spring that will merge seamlessly into summer. Soon the timeless beauty of the wisteria will emerge together with the opportunistic pink daisies that have seeded and will gently grow and thrive nestled in the nooks and crannies of the Old Palace – a perfect metaphor for life.