Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

The Lion Tamer – Relationships I remember seeing a lion tamer. For centuries circuses ‘tamed’ wild animals using barbaric and brutal means. More recently gentler methods of ‘taming’ required patience and understanding. Now animal acts are illegal. The circus of life involves relationships – schools, police, families… We can use power to try to tameContinue reading “The Circus of Life”

The word ‘drama’ means ‘men in action’. The Greek philosopher Aristotle established ‘drama’ to mean a theatrical performance. A theatre community enables a drama to happen. A team of people work together –actors, technicians, those responsible for costumes, scenery… We live and work in communities, bringing skills and talents to the benefit of all. InContinue reading “The Drama of Life”

I’m a dancer Morris Dancer I’m a Morris dancer, performing on a village green. An ancient routine to an unwritten melody passed from generation to generation. I celebrate the seasons, the harvest, the gifts of nature. I have little finesse; I’m sometimes drunk; my dance may appear comical, but I perform energetically and enthusiastically. TheContinue reading “The Dance of Life”

Christian tradition The Biblical narrative is full of literal and metaphorical journeys. Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Jesus, Paul… the Promised Land, Egypt, Exile, Bethlehem, Rome… Three lessons from my journey this week: Travelling companions I have travelled with many. Some have shared my journey over many years, some for short but significant periods ofContinue reading “The Journey of Life”

Last Sunday I mused on ‘Lord of the Dance’: Life’s a journey, a race, a voyage, a battle. Why not a dance?’ Yesterday a friend mused on life as a train journey… Different pictures of life? Here’s 6: Journeys on foot We are pilgrims on a journey: adapting to different terrain, climbing hills, encountering darkContinue reading “Pictures of Life”

I’m only human I’m just a manHelp me to believe in what I could be and all that I amShow me the stairway that I have to climbLord for my sake teach me to take one day at a time Marijohn Melson was born to Christian parents in Texas in 1920. She was brought upContinue reading “One Day at a time”

People bring broken items to The Repair Shop – a seat-less chair, a one-legged teddy, a silent harmonium, a motionless clock… Each a treasured family possession for many years, but no longer looking or functioning as it should. Objects are left with the team of experts. They get to work, demonstrating their skills, working together,Continue reading “The Repair Shop”

Recent news can be depressing. Our Communities – hospitals, schools, shops and work-places each face a mountain of challenges. Also doctor’s surgeries, dental practices, care-homes, churches, sport, theatres, cinemas, restaurants… Social problems are highlighted: increased mental ill-health, domestic abuse, unemployment, the need for debt-counselling, foodbanks…. Our Response? We continue to learn to value our communities.Continue reading “Cenobites, Anchorites, Sarabites, and Gyrovagues”

Daily Bread Yesterday an ‘older’ friend said: ‘I wake up each morning and realise I’m alive. God has given me another day…’ Jesus taught his disciples to pray: ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’ It’s the picture of the Children of Israel gathering their bread – their manna – every morning. Enough for today.Continue reading “One Day More”

Wet & Windy On Monday I was walking by the sea. It was wet and very windy. ‘Good morning’, I said to a man taking his dog for a walk. ‘This weather is bl**** sh**. It’s f****** ….’ He continued. Initially I thought he was joking. He wasn’t. My cheeriness didn’t help. I met anContinue reading “This is the day”