Let’s do this well together

“ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. “ Philippians Ch.4 v. 8

Are you more aware of birdsong these days? Not surprising since there is little traffic noise to drown it out. Also, as the air becomes purer because of the lack of petrol fumes and other pollutants, I’ve noticed that on my early morning walks with the dog, there are beautiful scents I’ve never noticed before, although the routes for the walk are no different than those I took before the lockdown. I have a greater appreciation of nature as a result, but it’s all very well for me to enjoy the benefits of this unusual time in human history. I am fit and well enough to get outside for exercise, I have private outdoor space in my garden, I don’t have to worry about income as I’ve been retired for nearly nine years and I’ve adapted to the different pace of life which comes when we give up the routines of working. We ‘baby boomers’ are possibly the group most able to adjust to the present circumstances, providing we have good health. It is the younger age groups who have more difficult adjustments to make, many experiencing enormous upheaval to their everyday lives with all the emotional strain that brings. Spanish children under 14 have just been given permission to have one hour a day for outside exercise after six weeks of very strict lockdown rules. I cannot begin to imagine how to keep lively children occupied every day without access to outdoor space, for such a long time.

I hope that when this time of crisis ends, I won’t take outdoor space for granted, nor birdsong, or fresh clean flower-scented air.