I don’t know about you, but I am confused this year. Summer was a bit of a washout, and I even reverted to my sweaters at one stage. Then September started with a heatwave, and suddenly I needed to find places to sit in the shade. Too windy one month not enough breeze the next. It makes me realise how much I like the changes in the seasons. In summer it is lovely to do all sorts of outdoor activities and wear light bright clothes and generally laze around. Autumn should be about the beautiful colours of the trees, shorter evenings, conkers, mushrooms, apples, and nuts. Winter is a good season too. Christmas of course, snow, hot chocolate held in both hands, and cuddling up in warm clothes and blankets. Spring is such an uplifting season, with promises of so much to come. The bulbs and plants poking through the soil, the days getting longer, the air getting warmer, a whole feeling of energy and vigour. So, which is the best season? Those of us of a certain age, will remember the popular song recorded by The Byrds, Turn, Turn, Turn. This is based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-11: This passage talks about the different seasons of life, and how God has a purpose for everything. It says that there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. It also says that God has made everything beautiful in its time, and that He has set eternity in the human heart. I can happily go along with all of that, and therefore enjoy each of the seasons, even when they get a bit confused.
I realise that last month’s book choice was a bit controversial. The language was of its time but didn’t make easy reading. But the issues of racial discrimination, domestic violence and lack of self-confidence are all worth thinking about. This month’s book is a much easier read and will make you smile. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.
God Bless
Maureen Kendall