Silk Knickers and a Drop of Baileys

A headline in yesterday’s local paper: ‘Sewing silk knickers and a drop of Baileys help Madge hit a century.’

Madge Baldock has been celebrating her hundredth birthday:

‘A glass of Baileys a day is the secret to a long life – at least that has been the case for a centenarian from Norwich… Born in Great Yarmouth in 1923, she worked alongside her sister at Grout’s silk factory in the town. Originally making silk knickers, the pair soon began making parachutes for the war effort…’

Instead of focusing on the problems of getting old – sickness, bereavement, loneliness, inadequate health-care, failed systems… we celebrate a long life, friends and relatives, visiting local children, care-home provision… silk knickers and a drop of Baileys…

Another headline: ‘Joy as Winnie the wheelchair sheep meets Lowestoft flock’

For many years sheep in our local Pakefield Parish Church churchyard have helped keep the grass in check…

Winnie, a young ewe, was fitted with a set of wheels because her back legs stopped working. She has recently been introduced to the resident churchyard sheep and will be joining them.

Katey Mills, the church children, youth and families minister, is quoted: ‘Winnie is doing absolutely fine at the moment. She has a quality of life, and we didn’t want her to be put down, so we decided to care for her.’

Instead of rejecting a disabled, useless sheep we celebrate wheelchair Winnie.

This morning I read Jesus’ familiar story about the sower… Some seed falls on the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorn bushes, and some falls on good soil where it grows and produces corn.

It’s too easy to get caught up with bad news about dishonest politicians, ruthless terrorists, criminal gangs… sickness, sadness, suffering… paths, rocks, thorns.

When we do we lose sight of good people… caring nurses, cheerful refuse-collectors, helpful checkout assistants… the kind, helpful, considerate… fruitful corn.

Today I celebrate fruitful corn, useful wheels, silk knickers and a drop of Baileys.