From The Editor

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ARE you a ‘glass half-full’ or a ‘glass half-empty’ person?

Or to put it plainly, an optimist or a pessimist?

I, personally, would consider myself an optimist as I endeavour to look for the positive in every situation.

Some would argue that all Christians are optimists because of the hope and eternal promise of new life found in the miracle of Easter. Optimism and pessimism are, perhaps, just a question of perspective.

When churches had to close last Easter – suddenly and unexpectedly amid the eruption of the Covid-19 global pandemic – it was a shock. Many hoped this Easterwould be different and perhaps more ‘normal’.

At the time of writing, much of Scotland remains in a further heavily restricted lockdown with a clear ‘stay at home’ message. There are, however, signs of hope of falling case numbers and the promise of an easing of restrictions if infections continue to fall and the mass vaccination programme gathers more pace and further reduces risk.

But the change is unlikely to result in a ‘normal’ Easter and for some, this may be difficult, echoing our journey through the last year, with essential restrictions on how we live to try to keep our communities safe. However, the pages of history will likely accord this time little more than a sentence. It is but a passing moment in the time and rich history of our world – although it may have felt like an eternity for some.

For a number of people, the last year may have been a journey of loneliness, or struggles with health, inequality or poverty as a result of job losses or worsening poverty with increased costs unfairly tipping the scales.

“There are, however, signs of hope of falling case numbers and the promise of an easing of restrictions if infections continue to fall and the mass vaccination programme gathers more pace and further reduces risk.