Leaving a Mark

Yesterday Hannah did archery with her family. She propelled her arrows towards the target – accurately! She pulled them out, leaving holes in the target. She won! She left her mark.

Just now I was sitting in the conservatory. There was a big bang. A pigeon had flown into the window. It happens sometimes… occasionally they leave they leave their mark – an imprint of their outstretched wings on the glass. Today’s pigeon flew away, apparently unharmed, perhaps a little dazed.

In today’s paper… further discussion about re-introducing beavers to English rivers. ‘Their dam-building and tree-felling can restore wetland habitats, boost other wildlife , reduce flooding and support eco-tourism.’ Beavers certainly leave their mark.

The sports’ pages report on Christos Tzolis, a 19 year old Greek. On Tuesday he ‘…made a fantastic debut for Norwich City, scoring twice and assisting twice as he proved too hot to handle for Bournemouth.’  He’s left his mark.

In recent days we’ve learnt of the deaths of actress Una Stubbs, comedian Sean Locke, footballer Dennis Law and Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. Tributes have described the contribution they have made, the mark they have left.

Walking beside the sea I often leave my mark – footprints in the sand. I remember the old ‘Footprints in the Sand’ story. The tide soon washes them away.

…Musing on the mark I leave by my words, attitudes and actions; … the people I meet today… writing, conversations, activities… the mark I leave that may not be washed away…

…Musing on the mark that God leaves. I look out of the window – apples getting bigger on the apple tree, a woodpecker on the birdfeeder, deep red dahlias… the mark of a skilful creator.

…Musing on people ‘made in God’s image’ who bear his mark in their compassion, kindness, patience or wisdom.

…Musing on the quote: ‘I have engraved you on the palms of my hands’… God has made a mark on his hands… of me!