Yesterday as I was watering the tomatoes I was reflecting on ways that I have changed since retirement… My body and mind aren’t as quick or as strong as they once were… I’m more aware of my limitations… more aware of, grateful for the good things that I have… I spend more time just pottering around…
Yesterday I met Danny. Danny lives in Winchester, Hampshire and has worked for the Royal Navy for twenty-three years. He described the discipline of working for the British armed forces, and how he has finally left the Navy and will start a new job next week.
He’d decided to have a holiday. He’d taken his bike on the train to Norwich, spent a few days cycling round Norfolk… he’d enjoyed Sheringham and Cromer… and yesterday he’d ventured South into Suffolk and arrived in Lowestoft. Today he’s probably cycling down to Southwold.
He’s spending a week, just pottering around East Anglia on his bike.
Danny’s pottering about on his bike, reminded me of the old song ‘Messing About on The River’ is about pottering about in boats… It describes different boats, the freedom of being outdoors, the beauty of scenery. There’s activity and purpose, but flexibility and thoughtfulness.
So yesterday I was pottering with a watering can in my hand, active and purposeful but reflective, musing… A word I often encounter in my Bible is ‘Consider’…
Jesus words: ‘Consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them… ‘Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these
Paul’s words: ‘In humility consider others better than yourselves.’
Words in Hebrews: ‘Let us consider how we can spur one another on to love and good deeds.’
So today, whilst I’m pottering around, I’m considering, musing on… appreciating God’s wonder-full beauty-full creation… viewing others more humbly… encouraging good people around me to be even better.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Pottering is not a common word here in the U.S. Our equivalent would be puttering. But I knew what you meant, Malcolm.
School is now out for the summer, so I get to potter about some myself. More writing, playing guitar, and walks with my wife are planned, plus a two week holiday—our longest ever!
I enjoy your writing, Malcolm. Thank you for the quality and consistency of your posts. They are worth reading.
Blessings!
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Thanks David. Pottering for us is gentle activity; puttering is more vocal – complaining/ non-positive continuing verbals. I’m happy to be retired from school; here they have another 6 weeks to go.
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some of my favorite verses, and a lovely song
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I have appreciated re-thinking the verses – because they talk about ‘consider”. It’s not a sermon telling me what I must do; it’s encouraging me to think about how I can do it better.
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