The television - once the box in the corner around which families gathered, now a flat screen operated by remote control and slowly (or not so slowly maybe) being replaced by computers, tablets and smart phones.

A thing that enables us to see things happening in far away places, that can entertain us, and can educate us.  A thing that has the potential, if we let it, to lure us into forms of idolatry and greed.  And a thing that, if we get too close (or with flat screens at the wrong angle) distorts into pixels or blurry messes.

Sometimes what we need is the longer view; sometimes what we need is to turn off the devices and go out into the real world; sometimes what we need is to reflect on the influence we allow this device to have in our daily lives.

Recently, for the first time, I watched the BBC Parliament channel - it was enlightening if not edifying. Usually, during my meal breaks I'll watch 'Bargain Hunt' or 'Pointless' - entertaining if not educational. Most days I'll watch at least one national and 'regions and nations' news broadcast.  And today, if I remember to turn on my TV there's a new series of 'Scot Squad' just waiting to have me in tucks of laughter.

God of the scientist, thank you for the people who discovered the 'magic' of broadcasting, and for those who saw its potential for education, entertainment and peace-making.  As I idly switch on my TV, for whatever reason, help me to recognise its value - and its harmful potential - in informing and shaping my everyday life. Amen.

Yesterday was a surprisingly happy day - not that others aren't, it was just surprising in its quality of happiness, all down to unexpected blessings.

I had to travel to Preston for a meeting with the minister for whom I am a mentor.  For various reasons, I hadn't booked the tickets until Monday, when I was utterly whacked, and chose to pay the extra myself in order to go first class - that way I'd get lunch/tea and have a table so I could do some work.  I got on my train, settled in and, horror - someone else had the same seat reserved.  On closer inspection, I'd messed up, and booked a ticket for Monday not Tuesday... gathering my bits I decamped to a very busy second class carriage and waited for the train manager to arrive so that I could buy a new ticket.

When he arrived, I explained I was the numpty who bought a ticket for the wrong day, and I could I please buy a single to Preston.  He asked to see my ticket, looked me in the eye, and said, 'it's alright,' before sending me back to first class.

'Lunch' turned out to be fruit salad and biscuit, as it was still morning in Virgin Trains speak, but the tea was hot and plentiful, and I did get some work done.

I bought a new ticket for the return journey - it would have been wrong, so wrong, knowingly to get on a train with a 'yesterday' ticket.

It's not often these things happen, but so joyful when they do!

Day 28 - Calendar

Day 29 - Radio

So as I catch up, having missed yesterday because things didn't entirely go to plan (mostly in a highly positive way) it amuses me that the objects calendar and radio are forced together...

The calendar (or diary) tells me what day it is and what I have planned for the day ahead, the radio wakes me up (if the kitties haven't already sone so) with news of the wider world and the inane, enjoyable chatter of the early morning show.

The 'official' reflections are about significant dates and about hearing God's voice, each of which is worthwhile pondering.  I'm just amused that at the start of another full day, having snatched an extra 30 minutes rest listening to music radio, these are the object to consider.

God, you sometimes speak in whispers, in silence, in others.... and, for me, in 'things that make you go, 'hmmm...'' Thank you for 'hmmm' moments.

This centrepiece was prepared and ready when I arrived for yesterday's evening service.

A reflection on the mystery of repentance and reconciliation, connectedness and interconnectedness. The knots were for prayers.

It was very beautiful. Thank you, P.

Today it's not so much an object as a range of possible objects - keepsakes.  The things we keep to remember people or places, but in this case especially people who have died.

I kept my Mum's pyrex measuring jug and her ancient tablespoon - practical objects that connect me with her, and with the past, but which have value and purpose in the present.

When my grandma died, my Mum decided which keepsakes we were each given, so I had some beads, long since given away. More recently, I fell heir to my grandparents fish kives and forks, which languish in a cupboard.

The 'keepsakes' Jesus left were not permanent objects but lasting ordinances (my choice of words here!) bread broken, wine poured, memories remembered.

Thank you, God, for memories, and for mementoes, for all they symbolise and signify. May memories inspire hopeful living now and always. Amen.