Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”And he replied:“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”So I went forth,Continue reading “The Gate of the Year.”

Having watched ‘The Railway Children’ before Christmas I decided I should read the book. I’m enjoying Edith Nesbit’s gentle story-telling, a glimpse of life 100+ years ago, the language… words like ‘ripping’ and ‘beastly’. I smiled reading: ‘You’re a brick,’ cried Bobbie; ‘It’s a splendid present.’… ‘That was awfully decent of Peter.’ It’s like readingContinue reading “Listening with Edith, Teresa and John”

Last night we watched the final of ‘The Voice Kids 2021’. We listened to 16 children with remarkable voices. The winner was 14-year-old Torrin, performing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ as her final song quite beautifully. This week many will sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’… literally ‘Old Long Since’… less literally ‘days gone by’. The lyrics tell ofContinue reading “Auld Lang Syne… Differences, Listening and Faith”

Three incidents yesterday: Claire messaged: ‘Today I mused…’ Claire’s anxious about her 11-year-old daughter Lucy and the influence of social media: ‘…(Lucy) believes she only looks “pretty” in a filter and won’t let me take pics. Often she only does hers with a filter or tries to scrub her face out!… I feel sad that…Continue reading “Work in progress”

Musing… my yesterday: We walked along the seafront yesterday morning. Half of Lowestoft had the same idea…  families deep in conversation… dogs and children letting off steam… friends greeting each other. We chatted to Kathryn, Doreen and Louise… Children were building sandcastles. One particular lad, having a lovely time, was wearing a cycle helmet andContinue reading “An Ambidextrous Faith”

Three stories yesterday… Her Majesty the Queen’s Christmas message: She’s had a difficult year… the adverse headlines that Prince Andrew and Prince Harry have created. She spoke of the death of Prince Philip, bereavement, Covid, sadness… She focused on the birth of four great-grandchildren, the joy of happy memories, the hope, potential and opportunities ofContinue reading “Elizabeth, Stephen and Desmond”

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,God of glory, Lord of love;Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,Opening to the sun above. Today’s Sunday song is from Sister Act 2. I love the energy, enthusiasm and joy of the young people that breaks through the formal church religion… Musing… I often think about hope, compassion, faith… but joy?Continue reading “Christmas Joy?”

It’s Christmas Day… Santa has been down the chimney; excited children have rushed down stairs; some will let their hair down today; some, on holiday, will enjoy down-time; some will go down to visit friends or relations – Down at Christmas Some will be downhearted; some will be down on their luck; some are downContinue reading “Down At Christmas”

Yesterday we saw ‘The Railway Children’ at the Seagull Theatre. It was an excellent production. I didn’t see the 1970 Jenny Agutter film; I didn’t read the book… I will read it soon. Seeing the story for the first time… enjoying good strong acting from local young people in the leading roles… It’s the storyContinue reading “The Absent Father”

Many families develop Christmas traditions. What must be done each year… decorations going up… films to be watched… opening presents… Christmas dinner… stories from previous Christmases… There’s security in being part of repeated patterns. Yesterday I was chatting with Maurice. Mother-in-law will be with them on Christmas day. The rest of the family prepare bingoContinue reading “Christmas Traditions”