The coming of spring and the hope that it brings during these difficult days is the theme of the Rt Rev Anne Dyer\u2019s regular column in the Press & Journal newspaper.<\/p>\n
The Bishop of Aberdeen & Orkney talks about green shoots visible in the frozen ground, and the new life coming that is entirely beyond our control.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf ever there was a time when hope is needed, surely it is now,\u201d writes Bishop Anne. \u201cFor those of us for whom belief and spirituality are important, then our hopes are rooted in the saying of our prayers and believing in a higher power who loves us.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor others it might mean looking on the bright side, seeing the best in any situation, being especially thankful for the words and actions of others which build harmony and peace.<\/p>\n
\u201cHope is a precious thing, not something that we can grasp with our hands, but something more ephemeral. It has to be protected and nurtured.\u201d<\/p>\n
She concludes: \u201cThe tiny green shoots in my garden tell me that hope starts small and grows. The blossoming of a garden suggests that lots of tiny hopes build together into a force that moves people forward towards a better future.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe occasional blue skies and sun on my face, even in Aberdeen in January, cause me to look up expectant of good days not too far ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t help it, I am hopeful.\u201d<\/p>\n