How busy birds are at this time of year. They are building nests, laying eggs and feeding growing families.

Many other creatures are also experiencing the springtime rush of activity. Perhaps you too are wondering about getting the garden organised for the growing season, giving the house or flat a lick of paint or cleaning the windows.

It is a busy time of year!

When Jesus had travelled to Jerusalem and was knowingly facing his last days before death and resurrection, but he too was busy with some of the regular things of life.

For example, he noticed rich people in the temple giving lavish donations but he also saw a poor widow putting a small coin into the donation box (Luke 21:1-4).

He was so impressed that she was still willing to help others even though her needs were great.

How about us then? Yes, we are busy, each in our own lives, but are we willing to notice the needs of others? There are many ways we can help the people around us. It may be as simple as a smile, sparing a few moments for a chat or to listen to the troubles of a neighbours.

Of course, helping may also involve taking notice of news or giving money to troubled people somewhere in the world. Perhaps a letter, note or card could make a difference somewhere.

We may never know the outcome of our ‘helping’ action but thanks is not the point of what we do for those around us. It is the action of helping which is important.

So let us not be too busy this Easter to give those small helping actions to those around us, easing their burdens.

God bless you and your actions this Eastertide.

Aileen Ashby, Rowledge Methodist Church