Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

Work on our kitchen progresses… On Tuesday Ricky the fitter asked me to pay the agreed outstanding balance. I went on line and paid the bill immediately. This morning Ricky says: ‘Our accountant says you haven’t paid yet…’ ‘Oh yes I did…’ It was becoming a pantomime. I went online. The money hadn’t gone outContinue reading “Payment, Cost And Value”

The Conservatives have decided. They don’t want Boris Johnson as their leader. Deciding that one man should go is easy. There are 8 candidates to replace him. Deciding the best candidate to replace Mr Johnson in an unknown future is a harder decision…   Out with the old, in with the new. Ricky and CarlContinue reading “Out With The Old; In With The New.”

Abbie’s a young woman living with Type 1 diabetes: Imagine trusting a machine no bigger than your hand to ultimately keep you alive… This insulin pump is constantly adjusting my insulin to meet my needs and to keep me safe… It is not the same as having a working pancreas, but this system is theContinue reading “It’s a Life-Changer”

My friend John is 88 today. I knew him well, served with him on our church Leadership Team. I remember many conversations – his kindness, generosity, wisdom; he always spoke positively of people and understood their needs. He’s a good man. Discussions about Boris Johnson continue. Some focus on his achievements, others on his character.Continue reading “He’s A Good Man”

This hymn was sung by politicians and church leaders at the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast last Tuesday, becoming part of the dramatic conservative resignation narrative of the week. It’s a 5 verse prayer model… Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way… I come to theContinue reading “Lord, For The Years Hymn”

Yesterday I watched Chris, patiently, skilfully, carefully plastering our kitchen, creating silky smooth walls and ceiling: ‘Once the units and appliances are fitted my work will be covered over and forgotten,’ he reflected. ‘You’re like a primary school teacher,’ I said, ’teaching a child to read. She might be forgotten, but her doing a reallyContinue reading “Hidden – But Important”

Calli the German Shepherd stands on the roof of the local pub ‘The Flying Dutchman’. Frantic passers-by call pub landlord, Chris Moore, who says he gets about a dozen calls a week… The local paper reports: ‘…while Mr Moore, 46, is appreciative of the concern, he stresses the three-year-old just ‘likes to watch the worldContinue reading “Calli’s Overview… Life Goes On.”

In Austria recently we explored Catholic churches… ornate statues, beautiful symbols of faith, complex depictions of local saints… and simple confessional boxes. It’s not my religious tradition; is confession good for the soul? Prime Minister – Resign! Recent calls for Boris Johnson to stand down as Prime Minister have involved questions about honesty, integrity, respect,Continue reading “Confession Is Good For The Soul”

Our kitchen’s finally gone. On Monday Julian reminded us of what’s happening. Yesterday Richard and his mate stripped out the kitchen and electrician Andy started his work. We now have a dirty, damaged room containing workman’s tools. The old kitchen that served us well for 20 years is gone; the new kitchen that we hopeContinue reading “That In-between Liminal Place”

My friend Lenny was rehearsing at ‘The Seagull’ in an upstairs studio. At the end of the evening, coming down the stairs in the dark, he tripped. He, together with all that he was carrying, clattered down the stairs. Fortunately all that was damaged was Lenny’s pride and dignity. The incident came to the SeagullContinue reading “Who’s Responsible?”