2017/18

NEW EVERY MORNING....

“When thou hast thanked thy God for every blessing sent......”

As midnight approaches I look back, not just upon 2017,  but from the beginning.  I thank God for my parents and my brothers and sisters who provided the family in which I grew up.  All over the world there are children who would not believe such love and security was possible.  I give thanks for my school teachers who made the best of me - especially my Headmaster who gave such an exaggerated  report of my financial prowess that I have enjoyed a career as a Chartered Accountant beyond all expectations.  I give thanks for my time in 1941/43 as a founder-member of 172 (Haywards Heath) Squadron – Air Training Corps, which led to RAF 181 Signals Wing (Air radar) in Burma and Indonesia.  I give thanks for those who made it possible for me to have my own accountancy practice after the war - those who worked for me and those who were my clients.  I give thanks for those who voted for me in Parish Council and District Council elections and those who forgave or excused my shortcomings.  I give thanks for those who encouraged me in voluntary work after retirement, particularly as a Charity Trustee.  I give thanks for the Priests and Chaplains who have advised and guided me over the years, especially those who did not hold my back-sliding against me.  And I thank my Guardian Angel  (I think of her as female) for the innumerable occasions when I must have goaded her almost beyond endurance.  Before all these I thank my wife and children who have tolerated my many shortcomings yet still profess to quite like me. On and off.  So here’s to 2018 - and my hope for you all is that, whatever the hardships ahead.  you will find such love and support as I have enjoyed.

.....what time will then remain for moaning and lament.”