It’s been a strange old week. I read someone had said, ‘What a year it’s been this week,’ and I chuckled. But now I understand. It has been a week of new experiences, of going it alone, of finding joy in small things.

Guinea fowl across the road, chattering incessantly and scratching for grubs (or whatever they eat).

This little family of guinea fowl are regular visitors, and they have become almost ‘part of the furniture’. Until lockdown. Now I run to the front door or the window to see them. They have become my friends (although I have a feeling the relationship is not necessarily mutual). I have noticed that one is lame. It limps down the hill after the others, sometimes quite happy to catch up, other times calling sadly as its pals move on without taking any notice of the fact it has been left behind. What a comment on our society …

I have set up a ‘track’ and I find I can walk a kilometre a day (or more) by going out of my front door, around my house and back into my back door. No, I don’t live in a large house, nor do I have an enormous garden. I have to do that 25 times to walk a kilometre! But I do it and feel much better for it. The little bit of sun and fresh air, and the view across the town to the hills beyond do my soul no end of good, not even counting the benefit of the exercise! Strangely I am doing more exercise in lockdown than I normally do! (I said it had been a strange week!)

A bright little wagtail spent 10 minutes drinking and bathing in my birdbath – live entertainment!

 Then there is this little chap – or is she a lady? This is one of three wagtails, probably a family, who visited me this morning and gave me great joy as I snapped away at them. The photo is taken through my blinds – hence the horizontal lines. I did not want to move in case I scared him away. I had hoped at least one more of the group would join him, but they were happy foraging around on the ground in the grass. At one point he stood on tiptoe and sang his little heart out. A serenade for his audience. I dare not clap but mentally I was applauding him for his wonderful voice.

These small pleasures have become a gift to me. Things that brighten my day. I have always enjoyed them, but now I will get up and move to see them. For me they are highlights and I am content to see ordinary life – no extraordinary life – going on around me. The sky is blue, the view is clear, the birdsong is glorious. In spite of all the sadness and uncertainty, I know God is here.

Yes, it’s been a strange old week. I am concerned about those who are less fortunate, or sick, and all those who are on the frontline – my family and friends are there – yet as I pray for them each day I am aware of God’s presence. Keep your eyes focused on Him above the storm that is raging around us. He will not leave you or let you go.

The wagtails are back. I wish I could share their song with you. May God bless you today and in the week to come with similar small things.