Getting through times of great change

HOW do we get through times of rapid change and readjustment?

What wisdom does God have to offer us for such times?

In my local area there has been a great deal of distress over the cutting of the Y5 bus route.

Its ‘replacement' is not seen to be a replacement for those who have relied on the service.

Various reasons for the lack of bus drivers and increased costs of running buses have been put forward: bus journey numbers are still well below 2019 levels; HGV driver shortages have meant that those with training have filled these job positions as they pay better; bus and HGV driver working conditions and bus drivers’ pay are described as being unattractive by union Unite.

Combine this with the need to operate cleaner energy bus services, and one quickly sees that there are two sides of an equation which do not add up.

Money is short, so cuts have to be made and working conditions kept antisocial. These conditions mean that there are fewer drivers available, so this form of public transport dwindles further when we would all like to see it grow: paralysis of a system.

I could go into similar nonequations when it comes to national services like NHS.

Let us just say that a series of circumstances, including Brexit, Covid, war in Ukraine and climate change have required speedy adjustment.

While systems remain the same as pre-2019, they are dislocated. To be radical and propose something quite new is necessary, but carries with it riskand most people are cautious.

You may say here, what in the world is a churchman doing talking in such terms? Especially one from the C of E, where the churches offer much the same as they always did?

I would have to admit my lack of credentials to offer a solution. At least, however, I can say, along with those involved with virtually every other institution in society, I face the same or similar difficulties.

So, with some temerity, I wish to offer a pointer to God’s wisdom on such matters:

Anger and aggression are not the best ways to work for long-term peaceful outcomes. Compassion, and dealing with people as each being a special person, is key to effective communication and care.

Personal responsibility in doing the little bit that each of us can do to help is not a fairy story, it works.

Giving people real hope, not fantasy dreams, is a way towards real improvement of their situations.

These four sentences have not my authority, but I believe God’s authority, as wise.

Lest this ‘thought for the month’ become just more words, let me refer you to the bible.

Google or look up these verses, and may you be equipped to help set the world and your neighbourhood in a good direction: James 1:20, Leviticus 19:17-18, Proverbs 24:30-34 and Matthew 11:27-30.