As autumn gave way to winter with frost on the grass most mornings, the world gave way to ever increasing distress. This had me contemplating peace this week.
The peace of Jesus
The message today at the Cathedral focused on Jesus' words in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Peace in change
For the past 40 years I have sporadically kept a diary. This week I picked up one at random. It was from 2004/5 when I was at the peak of my corporate career - corner office, big pay, big responsibilities, long hours, lots of travel, and the crazy expectations that working in a sales organisation creates. I was loving it and had big dreams but every now and then exhausted I wrote "I would really like to work from home writing".
The sun set in on that job when the company was taken over and some months later I was retrenched. After weeks of searching is was clear I was not going to land another job like that. Then a much "smaller" opportunity came up which eventually turned into (you guessed it) happy years writing from home before I retired.
I do hope that many people who have had their career aspirations dashed during this epidemic can similarly find peace and eventual delight in the changes foist upon them.
A peaceful night's sleep
This week we drove over to Bathurst (such pretty countryside). I was reporting in to a medical specialist about my sleep.
Some weeks ago I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and for the past month have been using a CPAP machine at night. It's been going great and I now have a very happy husband who gets a peaceful night without my snoring.
In corporate speak that is a "win-win".
Peace in nature
And in your quest for peace, go outside and enjoy nature. Here are a couple of autumn shots from my gardens to close off the season.
Each season has it's beauty, but Autumn definitely has the colour and you have captured it perfectly. Thanks for sharing and I will follow your blog too.
ReplyDeleteI agree each season has it's own special beauty. I love autumn but would never want to pass up on spring blossom or summer roses or even winter frosts.
DeletePerfect subject for your post this week!
ReplyDeleteIt feels as if we're not in for any peace in the U.S. for some time now. Even some quarters in our small community have boiled up turmoil. We have a president who delights in stirring divisiveness and it succeeds in setting people off. I've never lived in times quite like this. I need to spend more time in nature.
I don't think any of us have lived in times like this. Nature is a great healer.
DeleteYour images do bring peace and tranquility.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, life is very tranquil in these parts and the images reflect it.
DeleteBeautiful photos, especially the first.
ReplyDeleteGlad you find a good work after the great one, too.
Oh, snoring, sometimes Hubby snores so bad, I have to move to the swing...
I agree the first photo is interesting. It was just a quick grab when I was walking around the garden and ended up having a very pleasing composition.
DeleteYes, there is a silver lining in most situations. You just have to look forward. Lovely bit of writing and photos.
ReplyDeleteI like that thought "looking forward". Thanks re writing and photos.
DeleteLovely shots here Joan Elizabeth, you live in such a beautiful part of the world. My son and family took a drive up your way last weekend, they said it was so sad to see the after effects of the fires, especially after our visit last year when it was spectacular. It will be again I know. Now more than ever it's the simple things that carry us through 💜
ReplyDeleteI think the mountain scenery is spectacular both in lush growth and after fire when the earth form is more visible. The regeneration after fire is beautiful to see - grass trees with flower spikes, banksias with open mouths where they spat their seeds into the rich ash below, leaves sprouting from blacken trunks. Nature is amazing.
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