Vine Words

As someone who walks their dog just after 6:00am every morning I am often treated to the stillness of the village, the waking of nature and on occasion, the most amazing sunrise over mist-shrouded fields.  At this time of year, the simplest way I can describe my morning walks is simply to comment on how dark it is at that time in the morning.  Pre-dawn with no streetlights, in the middle of a field or down in the wooded areas of Cherry Fields you would think that you would not be able to see your hand in front of your face.  The reality though is you can. I seldom use a torch, choosing to walk by the ambient light that is present from the stars, the moon and distant street and building lights.  I tend to only use the torch when I need to be a responsible dog owner and see where to place the poo bag, it’s a bit like playing 'Russian Roulette' without the torch.  Other than that, I am amazed at what a difference those little lights make.  Each is only a small source of light but combined they are enough to make it possible to walk through the dark.

As we come into winter with both the fears and realities of the ‘cost of living crisis’ coming to bear, the analogy of small lights piercing the darkness seems to fit.   Each one of us can look to be the help that someone needs.  This year it seems that the imperative to check on neighbours, lend a helping hand or look out for the vulnerable that we normally have when snow or dare I say it, a pandemic happens could be needed throughout the winter months just to cope with the rising financial pressures. The difference this year is that it may be harder to spot those in need.  So, let’s all consider being a light in someone’s life.  Individually we may not be able to do everything for everyone but like my early morning walks, it only takes a few small lights to pierce the darkness and make moving ahead possible.