Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

At work, in church, amongst friends I have been told ‘there are lessons that must be learnt’. It was said with a knowing look that implied I should know, understand and learn these lessons. Those who spoke of those ‘lessons’ didn’t give an explicit description of what they were, whether we shared a common understandingContinue reading “‘Lessons must be learnt’ (1) – Inclusion & Care”

With that deep hush subduing allour words and works that drownthe tender whisper of your call,as noiseless let your blessing fallas fell your manna down,as fell your manna down. The American John Whittier was a Quaker. After early political disappointments and a nervous breakdown he campaigned passionately for the abolitionist cause. He was a foundingContinue reading “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind (2)”

We deal with problems and difficulties in different ways. We are like birds … Spacers – avoiders – create a space between them and the problem: Ostriches bury their heads in the sand. Unaware of those around them they pretend that the problem doesn’t exist and hope it will go away. Swallows migrate for theContinue reading “What Kind of Bird are You?”

Musing on Jesus’ words: ‘You load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.’  (Luke 11:46) Story-summary, Sermon-outline Carry – Religious experts imposed a burden of expectations, demands and rules. Crush – This load was crushingly, back-breakingly, impossible to carry. Condemn – Jesus condemnsContinue reading “You Never Lift a Finger”

Josh and Becca have just got engaged. Pictures and 151 messages of congratulations on Facebook confirm it! Alongside the announcement of their engagement Becca quotes Solomon’s ancient wisdom: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make yourContinue reading “Congratulations!”

We’re watching ‘The Voice Kids’ on Saturday evenings; enjoying the singing voices of talented children. I’m musing on the voice of the elderly… The Weak Voice Some of my elderly friends are too weak – physically, mentally – to speak for themselves. We are aware of the voices of our LGBT friends and our BAMEContinue reading “The Elderly Voice”

Yesterday Rachel and I had a lovely day with Tim and Jill. Friends for about 50 years. They sang at our wedding. ‘When I’m 64’ ‘When I get older losing my hairMany years from nowWill you still be sending me a Valentine?Birthday greetings bottle of wine? If I’d been out till quarter to threeWould youContinue reading “Old Friends – 64, 70 and beyond”

‘I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when I feel it not. I believe in God even when he is silent.’ Words written on the wall of a cellar in Germany at the end of the Second World War. Story-summary, Sermon-outline Healing – Jesus is healingContinue reading “The Silent God”

Dear Lord and Father of mankind,Forgive our foolish ways:Re-clothe us in our rightful mind;In purer lives your service find,In deeper reverence praise,In deeper reverence praise. This old hymn is part of a longer poem ‘The Brewing of the Soma’ written by American John Whittier. The Soma was a plant, found in North India, to makeContinue reading “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”

Musing on Les Misérables… Jean Valjean is a convict but a good man in Les Misérables. He’s not perfect but he struggles for the best. He cares about people but carries the burden of his criminal past as a guilty secret. I am Valjean.  My mixture of failures, struggles and desire to do right haveContinue reading “The ‘Misérables’ of life”