Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

Many years ago I trained as a mathematician. I became a maths teacher, liking the patterns, structures, logic… And yet I often think in random ways. This morning I walked past a sign ‘Temporary Bus Stop’ Is that a permanent stop for temporary buses or a temporary stop for permanent buses? In the country IContinue reading “Random And Unpredictable”

Yesterday was a good day for sports lovers. First England lost the cricket. It was something of a disaster. New Zealand beat Joe Root and his men pretty convincingly. Then England won the football – their first match of the Euros against Croatia. I enjoyed the performance – the young players, the Raheem Stirling goalContinue reading “Cricket, Football, Tennis, Boxing…”

Crown Him with many crowns,The Lamb upon His throne; I sung this 170-year-old hymn (the original has 12 verses!) as a child. I liked the idea of ‘When I die I shall go to heaven to be with Jesus’. I still like this simple picture. Then I read Revelation in my Bible… This hymn isContinue reading “Crown Him With Many Crowns”

Alan has dyslexia. A few years ago his employers tested him… He’s in the bottom 2% of the population for his ability in reading and writing; his IQ test showed that he was in the top 2% for ‘intelligence’!   Craig’s a barman in a local pub. He look like a stereotypical night-club bouncer. AContinue reading “Unique”

Like a long lonely streamI keep running towards a dreamMoving on, moving on My friend Colin, a cat lover, has recently moved. After living in Lowestoft for many years he’s moved to Uttoxeter – delighted to be closer to his family. He writes: ‘A colleague made my leaving cake. Lemon and ginger with crunchy topping,Continue reading “Moving On”

Yesterday’s news was full of questions: Will Boris relax the covid restrictions on 21st June? Should he? Should England cricketer Ollie Robinson receive further punishment for racist/sexist tweets made 8 years ago? Should Norwich City continue to work with a sponsor that uses adult content on its social media? Did the Queen give permission forContinue reading “Questions…Why?”

Suffering: If something upset Mum she’d say: ‘I’ll suffer in silence’. There would be a little self-pity and a requirement for someone to respond – so that the silence was broken. History is full of those who have suffered in silence – from Christians thrown to the lions in Rome 2000 years ago to prisonersContinue reading “Silence”

My grandfather’s clock was too large for the shelf,So it stood ninety years on the floor… On time – Remembering… the clock on the mantlepiece that chimed every quarter of an hour. Dad wound it up regularly. An alarm clock got me up on time. Bells atschool rang to get us to lessons on time;Continue reading “Grandfather’s Clock”

Sometimes I’m anxious, uncertain, worrying about a situation, looking for a solution… I get my knickers in a twist. I propose a pant-based solution to twisted knickers: Ants in my pants: My mother used this expression. It made me smile. I enjoyed the children’s comic picture of insect-inhabited clothing… I mustn’t just accept worry andContinue reading “Twisted Knickers? Pants Are The Solution”

When the night has comeAnd the land is darkAnd the moon is the only light we’ll see,No I won’t be afraidOh, I won’t be afraidJust as long as you stand, stand by me. As I’ve been re-reading the story of Job I’ve been reminded how alone he felt: ‘(God) has alienated my brothers from meContinue reading “Stand By Me”