I'd had grand plans for Advent. Time for waiting, preparation and reflection - all incorporated in my weekly walk. But when the day for the first walk came, I found I couldn't settle to it. I had to really be firm with myself to even go out! In the end I bumbled along Mowbray Road with the jaunty strains of La Mer by Charles Trenet ringing in my ears. (I'm addicted at the moment and have to listen to it at least once a day!).
I intended to cut across to Erskine Road and then down to the beach, but the footpath was blocked by roadworks, so I ended up walking round two sides of Westoe cemetery (the two sides I don't usually see) and was struck by the war graves and the ornate stones to Shieldsmen past, including one who was 'thrice mayor of Shields'.
Once on the seafront I began to feel more in the mood for walking. Down onto the beach via the walkway through the dunes, and there - the lovely stretch of the beach. The sea was roaring in and crashing against the pier. Marsden was in haze. In the middle of busyness, the beach was a place of calm, a place to reflect on ten years here.
Black clouds were gathering, so I decided not to walk further along the Leas, but headed up towards the Coast Road. As I looked back I could see the rainbow forming over the sea. God keeps his promises. I remember watching rainbows over the water with other friends. Ten years! Through the allotments to Westoe village. Ten years! And home. Ten years!
No comments:
Post a Comment