Day 9 - A conker

I hope this advice hasn’t come too late for you, but get hold of some conkers. It’s been a terrific autumn for tree fruits this year, apples, pears, plums, acorns, beech nuts and conkers have been in absolute abundance – part of what they call a ‘mast’ harvest. So you never know there might still be some conkers out there.

The reason I’m telling you this is because there’s one person in our household who is very frightened of spiders. And I read at the end of summer that if you put conkers where you get spiders it will get rid of them. We always get spiders in our bath – is it the plug hole they crawl out of? So at the end of September I came across some magnificent conkers and I took them home and placed them in our bathroom. And guess what? We haven’t had a single spider in the bath since!

That’s done someone’s mindfulness a world of good!

Creation works for our good. In body, mind and spirit wherever you are – city, urban or rural.

The Lord is merciful and compassionate,

slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

The Lord is good to everyone.

He showers compassion on all his creation.

All of your works will thank you, Lord,

and your faithful followers will praise you.

Psalm 145:8-10

Take a moment to be still today and appreciate the wonder of creation around you. See how it soothes, heals, amazes.

Thank God for your blessings.

Contemplate God’s wonderful creation. It could be the world, a person, nature or even a simple object. Recognise God’s awesome power and greatness, which we’re all dependent upon.

Become conscious of God’s Presence and for a short time let go of being aware of yourself. Allow your awareness to rest with God. He’s there – with you. He loves you. Be with Him. Enjoy His Presence.

Neil Chappell