Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun.
This last weekend has certainly illustrated Keats' words.
Saturday was one of the Bishop's Conferences, this time for SSMs and Readers. Early morning mist in the valleys gave way to the maturing autumn sunshine and glorious views from the terrace at Putteridgebury. The seasonal flowers were still blooming; the trees showing hints of autumn colours. Although assured we were in Hertfordshire, were we looking at Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire countryside? Plenty of banter was exchanged on the confusion!
Sunday meant a trip to the Flower Festival at St. Leonard's Church, Sandridge. There, in the attractive, ancient church, were wonderful displays representing so many countries of the world and illustrating both the beauty of flower and foliage and human skill in the arrangement. Even the walk to and from the village, across the pleasant landscape of Jersey Farm Woodland Park proved the mellow fruitfulness of autumn, in the hedgerows laden with berries and the many sweet chestnuts, some still on the trees, some littering the ground.
All this was an ideal counter to a week full of altercations over sought-after fuel at service stations, threats of rising gas prices and of shortages, including the Christmas turkey. Certainly it was a reminder of the glory of God's creation.
All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above:
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
For all his love. Amen