Are we making a difference ?

Hi folks, greetings on this gorgeous autumn morning. I think I can safely say that we are at last entering Autumn and the heat is abating just a little, which equals a very happy me. Thankfully due to the design of our house, open plan / barn conversion, we have learnt very quickly to see which side the wind is blowing from and then open up that side of the house. We've had to become slightly creative in respect of closing up the door so that Jasper cannot get out, but so far it is working.

Following a rather busy week, after we took Jelly Bean to work yesterday, my precious Hubby and I treated ourselves to a nice breakfast at The Belgian Waffle House in the Strand, went for a bit of a stroll and then took our fold up chairs and books and planted ourselves on the beach, where we wiled away the morning reading, watching humanity and the sea. The Strand beach is probably the best walking beach in South Africa as it is very long and extremely flat. Yesterday was one of the very rare days in the Cape where there wasn't even a hint of wind, the sea was calm and the sun wasn't cooking down, absolute bliss.

The one thing I can do for hours is watch people go by, and yesterday was no exception. There were so many people on the beach of every nationality, age, and walk of life. It was so beautiful to hear children laughing and parents actually playing with them, not just sitting supervising. Being such a large beach everyone pretty much has their own space, and what really stood out was, even though our country is so divided and has so much violence, the majority can and do live in total harmony. There was a group of ladies standing in the shallow water appearing to be having a prayer meeting, a young couple with a toddler who have a bicycle coffee cart and from the moment we arrived until shortly before we left they were inundated, I am guessing they ran out of coffee. All in all a couple of hundred people co-existing harmoniously and actually having fun and being happy. This got me to thinking about the struggles that I know so many people are going through at the moment, we are all fighting a war on some level. Most of these battles are largely hidden from others out of fear of judgement/criticism or even rejection. As society I think many of us have become very good at putting on a smile and acting like there is nothing wrong. However, I do believe that there comes a time when one needs to share with someone they trust to stand with them, whether it be through prayer, encouragement, some form of support, or just halving the burden. There are many times just uttering a kind word, a gentle hug, or an encouragement will totally turn around that individual's day. Folks, I would love to challenge each of you to go out this week and be aware of those around you at work, in your family, at the supermarket, wherever you go, listen to your heart and change someone's day, give them a reason to keep fighting, even give them a reason to smile. Pray for them, even though you don't know the circumstances God most certainly does and there is a reason your path crossed with theirs.

On that note have a fantastic week, I pray YOU receive encouragement and kindness and I am now going to cuddle my gorgeous Jasper awhile, it's Monday and the terrible red monster (vacuum cleaner) visited today, so extra cuddles are in demand. Until next week stay safe friends and go out and make a difference in the world.

P.S. This Blog is exactly one year old, I can hardly believe all that has transpired in such a short time. Thank you one and all for your support and encouragement and most of all for being part of this journey.


Pics taken on Strand Beach yesterday morning.