On the last day of September

Or maybe I'd do better calling it "I'm tired and I want to go to bed". Not that I need to be shown the way home, mind, as I'm already there!
However, couldn't resist the opportunity to post as the ninth month of the year draws to a close- it would be kind of cheating, wouldn't it, if I posted tomorrow and changed the date! The big ship may well have been sailing on the Ally, Ally O (which I gather is or was a nickname for the Manchester Ship Canal at one stage!), but no sign of any on the English English Channel today. Mind you, earlier in the week the locals of Camber Sands must have been sad to see the departure of a huge ship which had been grounded for a fortnight, making it the most celebrated hulk of metal in Sussex since the Athena B back in the seventies.

Actually, I'd kind of forgotten it was the last day of September until I ventured out for a late afternoon walk today. After some rather miserable conditions earlier in the week, it was actually very nice today. Having found my weight was back up a couple of pounds, I decided I needed a bit more of a walk than usual, so I did a full 3 miles from the Pier to Holywell and back. Had hoped to enjoy a cuppa in the Holywell Tea Chalet with a view over to Beachy Head, but just my luck they seem to be closing earlier now. The sun had dipped down behind the cliffs, so maybe 4.30 is when the urn stops boiling.

Never mind, still a good walk, and I settled for a very nice cuppa and even a scone at the Wish Tower which was still open til 6.00, though next Monday even that haven reverts to it's winter closing time of 5.00. A sure sign that Summer is over, though the sunny pause today, with the yellow fellow almost blindingly bright, I hope augurs well for the Autumn ahead. I have often known October to be a very pleasant month indeed, for weather if not for happenings always. However, no doubt many will be glad to see the back of this month though the traumas of the world continue whatever the month.
As I type, Ken Bigley is still being held hostage somewhere in Iraq (one presumes), despite numerous high profile pleas and efforts to free him. He is clearly being used as a political pawn by his captors. Meanwhile, his Mum is still in hospital. And yet there is hope; his plight has captured hearts all over the world, according to his brother, so maybe we will yet see prayer answered mercifully. Even if not, one cannot blame God for this poor man's plight, but the sins of the world.

I enjoyed my cuppa at the Wish Tower, and sat outside to enjoy it. Although I'd worked up quite a sweat with my brisk walking, it was actually decidedly chillier outside, so maybe I would have been better staying in the sun lounge again. However, being outside gave me the chance to appreciate the fish pond there, which was absolutely teaming with grey and orange coy carp (Goldfish to you and me!). One little girl came by with her parents and was reminded of Finding Nemo, until coming out the other side of the building she looked at them again and said "there's my tea!" Bless her, out of the mouths of babes, eh.

However, I was reminded rather more of Jesus' command to his disciples to put down their nets on the other side, and the great catch they got when they obeyed. It was a precious few moments where I felt spiritually still and encouraged by hearing God's voice, I believe, at a time when I am still out of work and perhaps beginning to feel a little concerned now, yet at the same time at more peace than I have been in such situations before. Maybe that's happening as I mature in faith, and particularly as I attempt to "Practice the Presence of God", which is the theme of the current part of the "Understanding Spirituality" course I'm so enjoying.

On the news front, surprising headlines tonight that Prime Minister Tony Blair is to go into hospital tomorrow for what is described as a routine and low-risk procedure to cure his heart arythmia which first started media tongues wagging about his future next year. He has now announced that though he will stand for the next election and intends to serve a full term, he will not go on beyond that. Probably very wise, if not inevitable. Certainly he's had a tough week, if not a few months. I don't for one moment support what he did on Iraq, but can't help really feeling a certain sorrow for him. But who knows what really goes on in the heart of a politician, or indeed anyone. Only God knows the heart of man, and at least Mr Blair is a Christian, as indeed is his likely successor Gordon Brown. Or should I say James Gordon Brown. Had a fascinating few minutes this evening checking out his biography, on the number 10 website among others- which is kind of appropriate seeing as Mr Brown is actually already living there.

Now, I think it really is time for bed. If you've retrieved this posting from the September archive, which is where it will disappear in a few hours time no doubt, well done! Time for some feedback though- get posting your comments here or if you know me, send an e.