I’m sitting in Caffé Nero having a quiet coffee and reading a book on ‘prayer’. Suddenly I realise how very blessed I am, and begin to feel very thankful. After weeks of being snowed in the village, stuck at home and unable to work, I’m free again to move about freely, meet friends (I’m off to see one next) and back working. My health is good and I’ve got a wonderful, loving family – just so many things I take for granted.

I had a ‘catch up email today from some old friends whose 25 year old son died suddenly of ‘natural causes’ just before Christmas. They have begun a new year picking up the pieces and trying to make sense of life again.

As I begin this new year, my prayer is that God will help me to live thankfully, taking nothing – health, family, money, love…life itself – for granted.