Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost – 8th October 2017

Where have 11 weeks gone? Lest anyone assume we just settled back with a book let me remind you that life, with all of its ups and downs, goes on. As happens all too often when one stops running, I fell in a heap! Allergies and exhaustion took their toll and driving thousands of kilometres visiting and checking on family members aggravated back issues to the point that I could barely walk.

Maurie only had two weeks off so he continued to face the usual work stressors. We
were impacted by the same tragic news events, and saddened by the vicious sniping of
both “Yes” and “No” voters regarding the plebiscite on Same Sex marriage. And we
have followed, with concern, the stupid egotistical posturing of two world leaders,
seemingly intent on a show of ‘one up man ship’ regardless of the possible dire
consequences for the world. And of course, taking time out does not solve family issues
and concerns.

But hang on, before you think I am looking for the sympathy vote, let me reiterate what I
said in the opening of this reflection – “life goes on”. I love the scents of flowers and
herbs in our garden.

When we first moved to Redland Bay we planted 6 Jasmine plants along the fence.
Chemicals used by concreters killed off 5 that were replaced; the other remained alive
but showed little sign of growing. Finally it is also sending out shoots and we have had a
lovely show of flowers. Hippeastrum, Gardenias and Azaleas, native hibiscus and
grasses are blooming and cherry tomatoes, blue berries and herbs are thriving.

We have had time with our children and grandchildren in Broken Hill, and at home, and
our daughter (Naomi) is now sharing our home. AND, I have found Kelly, an incredible Chiropractor close to home, who has worked miracles! Thanks be to God for her gift of healing.

Birds are flocking to our feeder (and I suspect we could end up with corn growing from
the crevasses in the yucca growing beneath it) and enchant us with their antics. Yes, life
goes on, in its myriad colours.

By not constantly rushing and focusing on worries and what lies ahead, by putting aside
fears and concerns for events which may never occur, and taking time to breathe in the
scents of the moment we can always find gems of wonder and beauty for which to give
thanks to God.

When I feel myself lost in concerns I take a walk, smell the scents, listen to the sounds
and open my eyes to the ever-changing signs of life and hope around us. I am  practicing mindfulness … I invite you to do the same.