When in doubt

the English traditionally talk about the weather...and feeling slightly short of blogging inspiration, I propose to do just that (yes, again). I do have a semi-official sanction, though, in the form of the FridayFive - which is fast becoming a habit, albeit never on Fridays.

Sally wrote Here in the UK we are struggling with floods, other parts of the world have similar problems without the infrastructure to cope with it, still others are badly affected by drought.... My son Jon is in Melbourne Australia where apparently it has been snowing ( yes it is winter but still!).... With crazy weather in mind I bring you this weeks Friday 5...
Have you experienced living through an extreme weather event- what was it and how did you cope?
Aside from the current floods, the most dramatic weather I remember was the winter of 1962/3 (I think) when snow fell from Boxing Day onwards, lingering till well into February. I was a toddler, and probably my very earliest memory is the excitement of going with my father, who carried a green plastic billy-can, to collect water from the nearest stand-pipe, as all the pipes to our houses were frozen. I also remember the constant stream of wild birds, robins in particular, that he would bring into the house almost frozen alive, and thaw out gently in the bathroom.
I think that this must also have been the winter when my mother was critically ill in hospital for months on end - and I can only guess what strain my father was under, but still those memories are of happy adventures, and not of grim struggle. He was good that way.

2. How important is it that we wake up to issues such as global warming?
It's completely essential. I get very angry at those who in the face of the current meteriological madness insist "It's just weather" Things are clearly very very wrong and while it may simply be a matter of inconvenience (unless you live in Sheffield, Hull or Tewkesbury - or other hard hit places) for most of us in the west, in countries where life is held on the thinnest of strings already, flood and drought spell utter ruin...and that is in the immediate term. As the polar ice cap melts and the balance of nature is changed forever, we cannot afford to pretend that this will go away. It won't. If in doubt, visit the Operation Noah site, where there is plenty to inspire sober contemplation.

3. The Christian message needs to include stewardship of the earths resources agree/ disagree?
How could one disagree? If the earth is the Lord’s and everything that is in it, then we are tenants, holding resources in trust and given the responsibility of maintaining them. We've behaved as if the whole place belonged to us...as if the earth exists simply to serve our needs and greed...It's not comfortable to reflect on, but reflect we must, or we fail in our responsbility to both God and neighbour. The wonderful New Zealand Prayer Book has, as always, resources that encourage you to pause.What about this?

God of unchangeable power
when you fashioned the world the morning stars sang together
and the host of heaven shouted for joy.
Open our eyes to the wonders of creation
and teach us to use all things for good,
to the honour of your glorious name

And because it is summer- on a brighter note....

4. What is your favourite season and why?

Oh help. I really don't know. I love those early May days when the air is suddenly warm and you realise (in a normal year) that we're on the brink of summer...but I love golden autumn afternoons as well...and crisp frosty mornings when leaves and grass and spiders webs are turned to glistening filigree

5. Describe your perfect vacation weather....
Mid 70s, sun, a gentle breeze off the sea towards evening, gin and tonic and stuffed olives...