What I Learnt from a Mouldy Briefcase

I was carrying out much-needed clearance in our basement the other day and had reached the far end where stuff was piled high. Perched on the top was an old briefcase, that had been there so long is was gathering mould. I looked inside, thinking it could come in useful  for carrying some of my [...]

You’ve Gotta Laugh!

I’m not sure whether the expression “You’ve got to laugh” originates from the north of England or is more widespread, but it’s often used when faced with a trying situation and means, “not sure what to do about this, but it helps to see the funny side!” In other words, a sense of humour can [...]

What Are You Thinking?

I was once asked “What do you think about most of the time?” I didn’t answer directly because I felt challenged, so went away and thought about it.
I am somewhat predisposed to turning things over in my mind, but when that goes on and on without closure, I call it worrying.
When I became an operations [...]

What is Normal?

All our young grandchildren are a delight, but there is one who is special. She has been diagnosed as being just within the ‘autism spectrum!’ That is the ‘label’ she has been given, as if to explain away her uniqueness. We refuse to accept such a label. She is who she is. For the first [...]

The Greatest Gift

Most of us need someone to be there for us at some time in our lives and maybe, even be available to listen to others? Surely, this is the greatest gift we can give to another? To really listen.
I want you to listen.
You see …
I have an ache inside;
a sort of pain,
that really hurts.
It’s been [...]

A Delightful Inheritance

My wife and I have just returned from a delightful week in a cottage shared with friends. We were in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside, which in my opinion is rural England at it’s very best. However, I’m biased as this was also the area where my family originated, going back to the 1600’s [...]

Out on a Limb

I grew up in a small mill village, which some might today regard as an idyllic childhood. We were free to roam in complete safety in the streets, vast parkland and surrounding countryside and get up to all sorts of tricks. My mother used to tell people that I was ‘such a good boy!’ Little [...]

It’s Lonely In Here

I wrote this very personal piece some years ago, when I was catapulted into chronic fatigue and loneliness that defied a human solution.
Whereas before, I was aware of the presence of God, it felt He had gone – this was my own Dark Night of the Soul.
I knew I had to trust Him to take [...]