At this time of year as a child I remember hearing many times, the first line of an old country rhyme, which said, “February fill the dyke”.
Of course, it referred to the fact that the month was known for its rainfall.
It was also the title of a famous painting by Benjamin Williams Leader which he produced in 1881, showing a flooded landscape.
So far this year with all the excessive rainfall, sadly there has been many dykes and rivers filled to overflowing, causing floods and devastation.
But the month of February is also a time of celebration in two special ways.
On February 14th we celebrate Valentines Day which originally honoured a martyr named Valentine and it also became a celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.
Today it has become a time when we can express our love and adoration for those we love, by sending cards and flowers.
The 14th of February 2024 is also the day to celebrate Ash Wednesday which is the beginning of Lent in the Christian Church.
Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter and is the period of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter.
It replicates Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.
This time allows us to stop and think and consider what Christ’s life and death really do mean to us in our daily lives now in this troubled world.
Jesus came to show God’s love for each one of us.
Churches Together in Evesham and District supplies Something to Think About
