If you haven’t heard of it yet, you will – there’s a risk of melioidosis.

It’s nothing like the naturally produced arsenic in Bangladeshi soil, but even so - why stay in any place where the soil can kill you?

Have you smelt the earth after the rains fall though? Have you seen things grow here after the rains fall and the sun shines. Earthy aromas and green green grass. The soil that can kill is also pretty good at bringing life.

But if the soil gets you down – look up. Literally. I got a telescope finally this year after a few dry seasons observing stunning starscapes. The clear skies of the dry are amazing.

And then look in and around – at each of you. There is beauty in each of you in Katherine. Some poison too in each of us.

So if looking down, in and up doesn’t do it for you – look up further, metaphorically speaking.

I stay in Katherine because I know God is committed to this place and the people who live here. Poison and all – God sees you and loves you.

St Paul’s Anglican Church meets on Sundays at 9am with kids church. All welcome.