Month: July 2026

Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet
photographed in the English Lake District. Reflection by my friend Gill Henwood.

In a damp field, tall Meadowsweet has spread across from the track verge to the woodland.
Sweetly scented, attracting insects and humans alike, meadowsweet has been used for flavouring,
herbal remedies and strewing cottage floors.
Once named ‘Bridewort’, the flowers were woven into garlands for summer brides, perfect to celebrate village wedding days

Every summer, I used to cut some meadowsweet from ditches for the church windowsills. Placed in simple tall jugs and jars, the scent perfumed the side aisle while south sunlight filtered through the beautiful soft flower plumes.
Now, I welcome meadowsweet in our garden dell, leaving the grasses and rosebay willowherb for insects and the elephant moth caterpillars.

The heatwave is bringing glory to the damp meadows too, with their roots deep into the wild soil. No sun reaches through to dry out the field, creatures have a sanctuary to hide in, owls and kestrels watch the tracks for small prey.

This wild field isn’t cut by humans, but manages itself. Badgers visit too, unseen by us. The mysterious life of one wonderful field.

Sweet Meadow Queen, bring peace into this space.
Like your frothy blooms, let turbulent thoughts drift away.
Heal the body, soothe the mind, and calm the weary heart.
May this flower bring love, joy, and comfort to my home,
Rooting me in the present moment.
So be it.

[GH 16th July 2026]

‘BELTIES’ at rest

My friend, Gill Henwood, has sent me this photograph of cattle resting from the heat near Coniston in the Lake District.
Here’s her short refection.

The Belties (Belted Galloway cows) and their recent calves have chosen deep shade on the felltop, where a cool breeze is lifting from Coniston Water up the hill towards them.

An essay on how to keep cool. A couple of mornings ago, they were down at the water edge of Tarn Hows. They are free range around the National Trust fells, choosing the best resting places for the young calves. As parents do.

As our heavenly Father does when we listen in Creation to the wind and shade and the weather warnings…

Every blessing,
Gill Henwood

… for the people of Venezuela

We bring before you the people of Venezuela and the horrific earthquake
that has hit that country around the capital and beyond.
We pray, almighty God, that their resilience will be strengthened
by your sheltering them under your wings.
We pray for those who are still trapped, yet alive;
we pray for the souls of the dead and all who mourn the loss of loved ones.
Bless the search teams;
we pray for the sniffer dogs which can detect human life;
for the rescuers
as they prepare for finding any bodies, alive or dead;
we pray for the miracles whenever a person is found;
we thank you for the life of the baby that was found alive, and the child today.

Lord help us to hold all in our prayers and so touch them with our concern
and our love.
Into your gracious keeping we commend all in need, despair and without hope
at this time.
Amen.

{Ruth Howes}