December 8 Advent Gratitude

Today began in a freezing fog. Outside the window the world was covered in a screen of white, a winter scene from Narnia. I worked all morning but in the afternoon the sun came out.

I live near a park, and went out to catch the light. By 3 pm the sun was already dipping low, and the trees were outlined against the deep blue. It was the end the school day and the park was full of groups walking home. I caught the eye of a mother following her kids, deeply involved in talking to each other – a brother and sister around 8 or 9. We smiled at each other.

I have done that walk so many times, and as I walked today I felt what I love about parks – the sense of sharing a public space with strangers.

Once years ago I was running on the path and passed an older man running the other way. He had long white hair, and just as today I smiled in mutual recognition, neither of us very fast or graceful.

“Hail Fellow Jogger!” he waved as we passed, making me laugh. I live in a city of millions of people but what makes London civilised are its parks. Last year we became the first ever “National Park City.”

I am not sure what that means but I know today I am deeply grateful for the parks.