HAMILTON OLD PARISH CHURCH
Traditionally, the New Year is when we tend to think of the start of a new chapter in life. However, the days are short and getting colder.
The holidays have got us out of routines, including eating and exercise habits. With this head start we set unlikely resolutions, and promptly break them. I suspect we have not thought this tradition through.
On the other hand, now, the schools have just gone back.
The children are excited and exhausted in equal measure. Our routines are a mess and the summer holidays have probably taken their toll; but the days are still bright and mild, and we are ready to get the bit between our teeth.
Would this not be a better time to make our resolutions?
Perhaps this is why church organisations give us a couple of weeks and then start up again, after the summer recess.
Whether it is organisations for the children and adults of every age group, the arts and craft or coffee clubs, the sports groups or diet workshops, there is something for every level of activity. There is plenty to talk about, including vacations spent at home or abroad. It really is one of the most sociable times to start a new chapter.
I can think of no better time and place to find out what is available to our community in terms of physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, than right now in our local places of worship. I hope you will give it a thought. The Reverend Ross Blackman of Hamilton Old Parish Church