Pastoral..very pastoral!

Today the sun came out in all its splendour and glory.....bless it!

So much so, I couldn't resist racing across the fields behind mum's bungalow, up to the top of the hill and a little beyond, just to capture this view that is a constant reminder to me of my roots, after so many years of travelling the world.

My parents bought their bungalow way back in 1963 for the princely sum of 2750 pounds, long before inflation was invented! It was several years before they eventually returned from their roamings to retire, something no-one ever thought they would easily settle into. They stunned us all as they appeared to step from one frenetic work load to an equally frenetic leisure load and after achieving a 61 year period of togetherness...dad left to go and sort heaven out and mum at 91 continues to be as stubbornly independent as ever, fully engaged with all that's going on in the world, though a little less mobile!

But wait.... I deviate.

Its Sunday so I had to race back down the hill and over the fields to join my brother in his pursuit of the legendary car boot sale!

My natural inclination on a Sunday would be to attend a service but that is sometimes counterproductive when your family do not share your faith.....so today, after booting, I joined John at his service social club. Stepping into his comfort zone opens endless opportunities to share with him and his mates.

Last week, same club, same time, we posed a challenge to the children who come regularly with their parents and have little to do apart from drink coke and listen to adults chatting!

Let's put meaning into Christmas by building a nativity under the highly decorated tree! So today and through the past week the animals have been arriving... and so have the questions.

Was there an owl in the stable.. Can we have a penguin.. Where is Bethlehem,,, Did the wise men's camels have two humps or one... Why didn't Joseph ride a donkey too.. Did father Christmas bring Jesus presents because he was good.. Did he know he was born..Was there an ambulance to take him to hospital..

So many questions, so few labourers! There's a real harvest out there just waiting....and waiting...

My Sunday was quite contrary to what I had expected.

A few stolen moments, alone in the early morning, on a familiar hillside, listening to the bells peal from that ancient bell tower, with the rising sun brightening the landscape, proved to be more than a great way to start it!

Wouldn't have missed it for anything!

Happy Blipping Everyone