FOR THE last two weeks I have written here about looking forward, with hopes and dreams of what could yet be.
Now I find myself wanting to hold on, to pause and be content with the present. What has brought about this change in perspective?
Just the date, that’s all.
By the time that this piece is seen in print, we shall have passed midsummer: the days will be getting (ever so slightly) shorter and – do I dare say it? – we shall be nearer to next Christmas than to the last one.
No! Do not get the decorations out!
We have plenty to do and to enjoy first, yet so much around us seems to tell us to hurry onward.
We recognize that life runs more quickly than it once did.
We can communicate so much more easily, and social media lets us respond instantly.
To slow down takes effort, and seems to go against the expectations of others and, often, of ourselves.
What will make each of us pause long enough to appreciate what is around us?
For some people, the exhibits at the recent classic motor show can inspire a recollection of happy memories.
For others, looking back through old photographs can make us smile or cry.
We can use these occasions when we look at what has been, to inspire our reflection on what is.
Is what we see now better, or less good, or just different?
Can we at least appreciate today, please?
Wes Hampton is minister of Wokingham Methodist Church, which meets on Sundays at 10.30am.
For information, visit: wokinghammethodist.org.uk
