Viewpoint

Remember the end of 1999? The world as we knew it was going to end with planes falling out of the sky and our computers blowing up. All because of Y2K. However, problems with our computer software never materialised and we entered 2000 with no more than a headache. Well, that is for those who overindulged on New Year’s Eve.

What will 2024 bring? More of the same: war, famine, high inflation, and families struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table.

Hopefully, some of these will become less of a concern and the early signs are encouraging. Inflation is coming down and talk of a reduction in interest rates is gaining momentum, especially amongst the banking types. That will be of great relief to those families and individuals whose large mortgages have stretched their weekly wage to breaking point.

Despite the ongoing sadness of war in the Ukraine and the fighting in Gaza, amongst other troubled spots, there are things we can look forward to. The Olympics in Paris come July will be a welcome respite to the world’s troubles. I like nothing more than watching the world’s best athletes competing against one another in their chosen discipline.

And it’s not just about winning. The athletes who represent their countries deserve plaudits for just getting there in the first place. Most of us will never really appreciate the hours they put in each day to reach such high levels of excellence.

The Olympics were established more than a hundred years ago to promote ‘excellence, respect and friendship’. May they continue to progress these worthy ideals.

Before we reach the halfway mark of 2024, there is Easter. It is early this year with Easter Sunday falling in March. With some luck that means we could be bathed in warm sunshine during the Easter long weekend.

Weather aside, this most important event on the Christian calendar is what our lives are all about. Without Easter, what is there? If Jesus didn’t die on the cross and if His resurrection didn’t happen three days later then what?

These dramatic events transformed the world and gave humanity hope for the future. It can be easy to despair at the state of the planet and how humans treat one another. It would be so easy to hit rock bottom and not bother with life. Just sit under a rock and hide. However, Easter is a time to reflect and be grateful for Jesus’ selfless actions.  

We should bother because Jesus bothered.

Happy Easter to all!

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