As we prepare for ‘Lent proper’ – today’s poem from Stephen Cherry is short, and focused on a life full of positive thoughts and actions – which first made me think of Jesus calling us to ‘live life to the full‘, and then how often I overfill my life, and therefore need reminding of W.H.Auden’s poem:

W. H. Davies: Leisure

WHAT is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?—

No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep and cows:

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass:

No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night:

No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance:

No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began?

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

A search for ‘time to stand and stare’ on Wikipedia led to The Quiet Garden Trust, a “a non-profit organisation which encourages the provision of Quiet Gardens where people can set aside time for contemplation, prayer and renewal”… I think these are the closest to me – but they are all around the world.

I was then reminded of #3goodthings – and that I was recently up in the attic looking for something, and found a diary from a few years ago where I drew at least three things I was thankful for each day… and it really did help my state of mind… whether to do this oneline… I do like the paper/drawing aspect of this, especially as I’m cutting down on screens late at night, and is often the last thing to do…