The Important day.

There are some things in life that just will not leave you at all no matter how hard you try, they have embedded themselves so deep in your inner being. Some of those will be lessons that you learned as a youth others from momentous moments in the journey of life. 

I was commenting yesterday to something that breaks my heart, There was an item on the news about how we in Scotland have to encourage more people to come and see the beauty and the glory of this land we call Scotland.  How I do agree, Scotland is a land with a welcoming heritage and wondrous scenery. 

Sadly I can hardly take ten paces on so many walks without noting discarded litter and plastic bottles. Two days or so ago somebody had purchased a chines carryout for two. They had eaten it in their car and all of the litter remaining put back into the plastic bag. SO far so good, now place in the first litter bin, sadly no open the car door and place it on the roadway.

As a youth, I was taught to treat the countryside with care and dignity leaving it as you found it. A lesson I have never forgotten.

To a more scary thought. Having managed to enter university I had within my first year to get up to scratch on Greek and Hebrew. Now for one who had left school with nothing and now a first-year university course to do this was going to be a task that was certainly going to imprint on my life.

Now at the tender age of 74 I still awaken some nights and break out in a cold sweat asking will I manage to pass those two tests? Fortunately, I soon come to the realisation that I have.

How many of us have been scarred by tests we had to take often at the worst possible times of life.  We had the eleven plus a test that in many ways marked out ones future life. 

So my mind was sparked to life and I would like to share this light-hearted little thought with you. I have been doing a great amount of study on ancient texts these last few months so in the language of ancient writing a few words on tests. 

And it came to pass, Early one morning toward the last day of term.

There arose a great multitude smiting the books and wailing,

And there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth

For the day of judgment was at hand.

And they were sore afraid for they had left undone

Those things which they ought to have done.

And they had done those things which they ought not to have done

And there was no help for it, but a few sore heads to confirm it.

And there were many abiding up late in day

Who had kept watch over their books by night,

But it availed them nought.

For they knew they were not ready.

But some were who rose peacefully,

For they had prepared themselves the way

And made straight the paths of knowledge.

And these were known as wise burners of the midnight oil.

And to others, they were known as "curve-raisers."

And the multitude arose and ate a hearty breakfast.

And they came unto the appointed place

And their hearts were heavy within them.

And they had come to pass, but some to pass out.

And some of them repented of their riotous living

And bemoaned their fate.

But they had not a prayer.

And at the last hour there came among them

One known as the instructor;

And they feared exceedingly.

He passed papers among them and went his way.

And many and varied were the answers that were given,

For some of his teachings had fallen among fertile minds,

While other had fallen on stony ground.

And some they were who wrote for one hour,

Others for two;

But some turned away sorrowfully, leaving papers lying bare.

Others a word here and there in the hope the instructor might be more than fair.

Life can indeed be a test and lessons can be learned, or otherwise.  If  Scotland is to welcome more visitors to our fair and beautiful land we need to pass the test of no longer being the dirty land of Europe. 

I hope today you all have a wonderful day and pass the test of life with flying colours.