Picture this – the dog asks to go out and I duly oblige. She takes one look at the enormous moon rising above the trees and gives a low Woof! A startled deer bounds over the fence and heads for the forest accompanied by a miniature version of itself – white tails bobbing in the dusk. Baby makes for cover and Mother stops, turns round and regards the silent dog with disdain………..Bambi and his mother.
Magic.
One of the books on my bookshelf at the moment is 7 Steps to the Simple Life bt Maria Van Eyk McCain. She aks the reader to ponder what the phrase “simple life” means for them. I agree with her own view
….it means to have a life in which there would be more time than there is now to spend with significant others, more time to think, dream and ponsder, an d more time to smell the roses. It would be a life of fewer demands, less stress and no feelings of overwhelm.
Interesting for me is to consider how that fits in with the Christian life. At first glance it seems more Taoist than Christian. Possibly that is why it appeals so much. But in retrospect, it sounds more like a healthy, whole life. And for me, that is wholly Christian.
So take time……smell the roses.
The change in the weather has given me the opportunity to catch up on some indoor tasks. But now I am fretting that the garden needs attention. Some of the tender bushes were damaged by frost and I am itching to tend them and cut off the dead bits. Now if I was a stalwart gardener I would be out there in my wellies and Tilly hat (equally suitable for rain or sunshine). But I prefer to do some writing.
I always recognised the privilege of largely choosing my own agenda when I was in the parish ministry. Of course some appointments and fixtures were a given, but the rest of the time could be divided up according to priorities set by myself or sometimes with the help of others. I have watched so many retired people get frazzled with commitments that I am wary of taking on things on a regular basis myself. My health dictates a slower pace in any case. So I shall just continue to enjoy the quieter lifestyle for a while yet.
Of course the cat firmly believes that my main activity should be tending and stroking him. And cats will not be told No so I resort to doing things with an insistant orange feline on my lap. Yes, even at the computer. It reminds me of having a toddler!
Went to the world premiere of Star Wars III – Revenge of the Siths. Amazing stuff. George Lucas is a fine director and somehow the ends all tied up and the lead into to Star Wars itself was very cleverly done. The film lasted 140mins but the time flew past. I was there with a group organised by Son No 3 – all males, and also noticed that I was probably the oldest person in a cinema packed full of young people.
Makes a nice change from church.
May the Force be with you!
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I had thought of auctioning my Tilly Hat on ebay, but am glad I didn't…..it is coming in very handy as a sunhat for gardening.
I wonder if the coaltits are impressed at me looking a bit like Miss Marple?
The local Dalmally craft shop is a real find – full of gifts and things I would like to have for myself as well. Much more tasteful than the usual. I am going to resist making any comparisons with Seil.
I am discovering why people come on holiday to this part of the word – there are amazing walks all around. Yesterday I was a bit ambitious and did four miles (half of it uphill!) Needless to say today I am going round in a bit of a daze. The dog still hasn't recovered either; when I let her out last thing yesterday she promptly went and flopped asleep in the middle of the lawn.
Having a quiet day today catching up on paperwork.
This poem by Robert Louis Stevenson speaks to something in my soul.
If I have faltered more or less
In my great task of happiness:
If have moved among my race
And shown no glorious morning face;
If beams from happy human eyes
Have moved me not; if morning skies,
Books, and my food, and summer raiN
Knocked on my sullen heart in vain,-
Lord, Thy most pointed pleasure take,
And stab my spirit broad awake……..
