On Sunday’s ‘Songs of Praise’ we were told the story of Mina Smallman. In 2020 her two daughters, Bibaa and Nicole, were murdered by a stranger at Fryent country park in Wembley, north London.
Mina’s initial grief and anger are still present, but she has been able to use her personal tragedy to highlight issues of police injustice, violence against women, and prejudice against people of colour. We saw how her personal tragedy enable her to help and support others who are suffering.
Above all we saw how faith and forgiveness have enabled Mina to move on.
I was chatting with Laura about children who repeatedly misbehave. It was a discussion that we often had in school:
Standards: We expect high standards of behaviour
Consequences: If you don’t keep these standards then there will be consequences. Punishment: Misbehaviour will result in something unpleasant…
We discussed the effectiveness of punishment. It shows that certain behaviour is unacceptable, but does it act as a deterrent, so that undesirable behaviour doesn’t re-occur?
If, the child is to move on and become a better person, a different approach may be necessary… Perhaps instead/as well recognising, focusing on and rewarding good behaviour…
Yesterday we visited Fairhaven woodland and water garden with our friends Tim and Jill. We enjoy seeing the woodlands through the changing seasons; we enjoy the way the woodlands are being managed and pathways are renewed and renovated; we enjoy their coffee and cakes.
Yesterday we saw how the recent storms and floods have affected the area. Paths and boarded walkways are under water. Autumnal clearing up and plans for the next phase of development, have to be put on hold.
Moving on has to involve flexibility and patience.
Musing… moving on… with Mina’s faith and forgiveness… Laura’s high expectations, focusing on the good… Fairhaven’s flexibility and patience…
…this morning I read St Paul’s words, ‘…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…’ Moving on to completion.
malcolmsmusings.org 