Gratitude: Habits of Life (9)

21 May

Some years ago our Business Manager at Whitley College said to me: You know, in all the years that I have worked in the not-for-profit sector, this is the only place where I am constantly thanks for what I do. … Read More »

On having nothing to say

21 Jan

In recent Christmas letters many people have urged me to keep on writing for this blog. Why have I not written, for some months, I ask myself. I could offer many reasons. For the last year I have been increasingly … Read More »

Now: the greatest gift of all

3 Sep

The word ‘present’ has two important meanings. One means ‘now’, the current time and situation. The other means ‘gift’, something given to us or to another. I am increasingly convinced that the two meanings are deeply inter-related. The present time … Read More »

A matter of life and death: ‘Stone Yard Devotional’

11 Feb

I very nearly broke my rule and gave up reading this book half-way through. I am glad I didn’t, because it offers valuable challenges for reflection. Stone Yard Devotional is pitched as a novel, by Charlotte Wood, but it’s many … Read More »

An absolute gem: In everything, give thanks

16 Dec

We were delighted by the Australian musical My Brilliant Career—based on the original book by Miles Franklin (1901) and then a book and lyrics by Sheridan Harbridge and Dean Bryant. Bryant also wrote the music, with Matthew Frank. The production … Read More »

On not living in the past

22 Nov

It may be my stage of life or the fact I have recently attended many anniversary events, and some funerals, but we find ourselves often talking about the past. Truth to tell, the past is often a less threatening place! … Read More »

I Dissent

15 Nov

This post is written against the background of a dreadful political malaise. I use the word dreadful because there is indeed much to fear. Millions of people are feeling profound angst because of the election of Donald Trump again to … Read More »