A day in the Lakes

Think I will have a take it easy day today. It has been so busy and exciting. Time for a chill out.

I am going to meet some friends at Church. There is a service at 10am held on a Wednesday, and one of my friends has a birthday today so we thought we would have a little celebration at coffee afterwards.

Since Easter is on its way, I think it is time for me to become more seriously reflective about what this time of year means for me and the Christian community.

I do not talk a lot about my faith but it is very important to me, and of great comfort and support. I find engaging in all the prayer, reflection and activity at Easter very helpful and inspiring, and it is a time of year that I really love. The weather is brightening, the daffodils are out, the nights are lighter, and I always feel my energy rising.

I will start the run up to Easter by reading in Church on Sunday. There is a service on every night next week, and on Good Friday mum and I will go to the Good Friday workshops where we help children with activities and play in the morning. We always do the Easter Gardens stall which is messy but fun. The kids get to try lots of activities and crafts, and hear about the Easter story. We then have hot cross buns and coffee ( will I be able to resist?- I love hot cross buns- mum will have to keep a very keen eye on me I think).

On Good Friday afternoon there is three hours reflection by the cross. There are prayers, readings and small sermons throughout the afternoon, and plenty of reflection time. It is a quietly dramatic space and very powerful. At three o clock there is tea and hot cross buns, this time served by my good self. Again- I will have to be guarded.

On Saturday we decorate the Church with flowers: it always looks wonderful. We have so many talented florists and crafty people in the congregation. In the evening we are having some friends down for a few glasses of wine. We haven't seen them for ages and it will be fun to catch up.

Easter Sunday is a packed and joyful service. It is one of the days where we can't find enough seats for everyone. It is a very happy time and we have wine after the service instead of coffee!

Easter Sunday afternoon traditionally is chocolate egg day. It will be for my two boys, but not a bite will pass my lips. EASTER BUNNY IF YOU ARE LISTENING I WOULD LIKE A PANDORA CHARM INSTEAD PLEASE- LESS FATTENING.

Easter Monday we have been invited out for supper. I may indulge, but no carbs of course!

All in all, we will have a good time. I am looking forward to it, and it feels like the Easter reflections will start today for me.