Benefit of Prayer

Monday 3rd May, 2021

It was dry for a while but the rain spoiled the chance of a walk. I had finished off a few letters and posted them not remembering that it was a bank holiday so no movement or pick up until tomorrow. I managed to get over to Dundee as I have promised to house sit for a friend tomorrow to await the 'smart meter' man who has said he will be calling between 12.00 and 16.00. My friend's new supplier of gas and other such has demanded a smart meter be installed. She had to show me where the meter was to go, how to turn off the AGA and where all the other meters are stored. I have two books and some letters to write so why not there.

We walked down to the allotment to inspect the recently planted onions. They were in fine fettle. I saw a lot of uncut rhubarb on the allotments of others and was so tempted to steal some! It goes to waste and I cannot bear that! I restrained myself, just! We managed to avoid any showers and got back for hot dark rich coffee.

Then I drove to Tayport to the Charity shop where I volunteer. It is the bestest of such shops. First the quality is good and the prices incredibly low. Second all the volunteers are such fun. The hours are sensible. The shop serves many in the community and is especially valued but the less well off. All my trousers and shirts and some of my shoes come from there. Third the volunteers choose the Charities which benefit so each gives his/her choice thus it is not designated to one particular cause. Today I stayed an hour. Not many people came as the rain fell heavily. I bought three books for £1 and could have had four for the same price. I bought a small set of earrings and a necklace for a friend who loves Jewellry and is house bound. I will not disclose the price but it was very reasonable and she will just love having something in the post and especially as a little glitzy and in its own box.

Now for reading. It still rains. I recalled a saying about the Czech dissidents. " They surrendered themselves to the idea that these things were worth doing in and of themselves, not because they might have definite, measurable consequences". I recall Plato's idea that the good life is a reward in itself. We do not do things to benefit ourselves but rather because they are good to do...such as prayer.