Photo was taken last evening at Seskin, Bantry, West Cork (Irl)
The Blackthorn tree is in full flower at the moment. But this year it’s flowers are very prominent and seem to really stand out in our countryside. It always flowers before the leaves appear on the tree. There is old wisdom that says when the Blackthorn tree is in such full flower, that it is followed by six to eight weeks of wet and cold weather. Time will tell.
Thought on Thursday – April – 04/04/2019
Thought For The Week
‘Which is better to have – a clock that gains twenty seconds each day or the one that does not work at all?’
Answer: The clock that is broken will be the better of the two. Although it does not work, this clock will show the correct time twice each day. The clock that gains twenty seconds every day is right only once every 5 years and 328 days. Every single one of us has our weaker points, limitations, faults and mistakes. Some of these we are encouraged to let go of and some we have to live with.
Like a broken clock that tells the correct time each day our weaker points can also be points of growth and strength. Even when we get it wrong God always wants to point us in the right direction. We are never condemned, judged or made feel guilty. Others may try but never God.
With the clocks having gone forward an hour this weekend, the spotlight is very much on time. Already the MEP’s of Europe have voted to scrap the practice of moving clocks forward by an hour in spring and back again in the autumn from April 2021. Apparently the time change does affect our bodies and puts them out of sync. Some people are more sensitive that others to these changes including babies and young children.
Time as we know is a precious gift with huge spiritual significance. Each day a precious gift of time is given to us to use well and to use carefully. Every day is a new beginning. The very structure of a 24 hour day reveals the goodness of God who always invites us and empowers us to begin again. Hope is reborn with every sunrise. Each evening also invites honest reflection and a time to give thanks for blessings received throughout the day. As we continue our journey through Lent, we make an effort to appreciate the gift of time and we pray for the ability to use it in the best way we can.
