Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

A number of kind friends have sent us cards over the past few days. Yesterday morning we received one that said: ‘May you know God’s peace and strength, as you reflect, remember …and rejoice.’ Yesterday we made our final preparations for our trip to France… Reflecting on my documents… My covid pass says that IContinue reading “Reflect, Remember, Rejoice”

When I was a maths teacher I enjoyed practical geometry lessons… teaching children to use compasses safely, without injuring themselves or each other… drawing accurate circles… Yesterday at Men’s Shed I learnt a new skill. Martin and I are making wheelbarrow planters… Michael Jackson (real name!) showed us how to use a band saw toContinue reading “Going Round In Circles”

On Saturday I took my friend Ian to our local hospital for a ‘procedure’ (a wonderful term – often a euphemism for ‘lady’s’ hospital visits). I dropped Ian off and drove to Gorleston sea-front. It was a crisp, bright winter morning. It was the Gorleston ‘fun-run’… hundreds taking part. Initially athletes passed me. Moving withContinue reading “Weary Winners”

One pair of hands formed the mountainsOne pair of hands formed the seaOne pair of hands madethe sun and the moonEvery bird every flower every treeOne pair of hands formed the valleysThe ocean the rivers and the sand I like the picture of the creator-God making the world with his hands. Complex discussions about science,Continue reading “One Pair of Hands”

Several friends have model train layouts. They often talk about their ‘next steps’ in design, purchase or construction. Receiving a delivery like this might be a shock! Yesterday we did receive an unexpected delivery… some ‘dumbbells’! The next steps in the development of a neighbour’s home gym… I received a glossy brochure: ‘Moving to aContinue reading “Next Steps”

Yesterday my brother Chris died. I appreciated the prayers and support of many – family and friends… I smiled when I saw this… a Fanta sea… a fantasy (…jokes are always funniest when you explain them)… ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen (the band not the monarch) starts: Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?CaughtContinue reading “Chris… Chance, Choice and Change”

My brother Chris died peacefully this morning. I’m sure lots of other stuff will be written and said… As a teenager I was always known as ‘Chris’s brother’. Everyone knew Chris – he was extrovert and influential… at times it felt like I was living in his shadow. Sometimes I resented it; sometimes I wasContinue reading “Chris and his God”

I’ve enjoyed ‘big but’ jokes for years… My inappropriate school-boy humour is often aware the double meaning or ‘misunderstanding’ with but/butt… ‘Should I buy these jeans?’ ‘They’re a good fit, but I’m not sure they suit you.’ ‘’Well that’s a big but…’ I snigger because I’m thinking ‘big butt’ Totally inappropriate. Some preachers think they’reContinue reading “Big Buts”

Yesterday, chatting to my friend Ian about the curse of the ‘compare our children’ competition… ‘Sophie speaks in sentences; she’s only 9 months old…’ ‘Josh’s 5 – he can do long multiplication…’ ‘Harriet read all of the Harry Potter books before she started school…’ so it continues… sport, music, hobbies, GCSEs, A-levels, universities, marriage, grandchildren…Continue reading “Insecurities”

Yesterday we received a letter from Els in Norway: ‘In February I started a new job… a project offering assistance to people working in or who have worked in prostitution, and victims of human trafficking…’ ‘…there are the heartbreaking conversations where I listen and realise that that is all I can do. And yet, moreContinue reading “Just Showing Up”