Four Years Ago…

We were entering covid lockdown. A few friends encouraged me to start writing a blog. I’d never written for a public audience before; I didn’t know if I could. Four years ago, 11^th April 2020, I wrote my first ‘Malcolm’s Musing’. It became a daily habit. Today, 1462 blogs later, I’m musing on musing…

I’m so grateful for… my Christian family and upbringing… fifty-two years with Rachel, appreciating our children and grandchildren… churches families we’ve been part of, lessons we’ve learned, friendships that have lasted… thirty-six years teaching, working with wonderful colleagues…

Retiring from teaching in 2008 I started some theological studies, re-examining the faith that I’d held to all of my life. I questioned, read, reconstructed…  

2017 was a difficult year for me. I felt let down by people whom I trusted. My faith was challenged. I read, prayed, reflected, asked advice from good, kind, wise friends.

My conclusion? Some folks make ‘New Year Resolutions’; I created twelve ‘New Day Resolutions’.

I resolved: Each day I will…            

Live one day at a time… Seek to discover my best self… Live today with Jesus… Focus on all that is good… Be grateful… Constantly reflect… Be proactively engaged… Own my weaknesses and mistakes… Dream big dreams… Treat others with empathy… Value differences… Give and serve.

Looking back, I guess that my blog has, in some small way, been an attempt to live out, develop and reflect on my daily resolutions.

In April 2020, with Covid isolation, I imagined I was with friends in a café, pub, club, church, home… My ‘musing’ was a chat, influenced by my faith.

Today, April 2024, the world’s different, but I’m still musing, learning, seeking to work my life and faith out with humility and integrity…

I’m still constantly grateful for… lessons I learn and fresh insights I gain… Lowestoft – this odd corner of the UK I find myself in… my health, the weather, our garden… our family and many friends… a God who knows, cares and travels with me…