Yesterday I saw an otter. And I’m convinced it was smiling!
The dog and I were walking by the river near the house. If I’m honest, the walk was more of a head down stomp, putting the world to rights with each step, so I almost missed it. But the light glinted on the water and so, I stopped to enjoy the reflection of the winter trees in the stillness. And then, what I thought was a branch glided past. The ‘branch’ dived below and leapt back up into the air, clutching a fish between its paws and beaming at me. Twice more it fished successfully and each time looking delighted at the result. By now, the dog wanted to join in the fishing trip so we moved on, but I was so thankful that I had stopped to enjoy a few moments of reflection.
The otter reminded me how absolutely right it is to take pleasure in what we are good at and to use that talent well, without feeling we need to be good at everything. What a range of skills we have as a community - whether presenting papers, or posters, or juggling time to support charities, but it is also great to recognise that each of us has our own separate mix of gifts and that the combination within our community here, or at home, is what gives it its sparkle.
This time of year is full of bustle and hustle, with events, travel and preparations ill-fitting around everyday demands. But taking those moments to stop and enjoy, or simply to be still as I was on the riverbank, may reveal unexpected gifts. Perhaps you took time before the end of term to savour the beautiful music of the annual Artefacts concert, to ponder the answers to the (very difficult!) quiz at the international mixer, to celebrate the award of a well-earned degree, to do the team dance after yet another sporting achievement, or simply to be with those friends who make you smile. Either way, over this festive break, I wish you some moments of special stillness, that will allow all those other moments to shine, before your return to another exciting term ahead.