Jono's blog

I don't qualify for old age yet, hardly even middle age. In fact one of the kids at school the other day thought I was 16. But I do recognise that I and the people around me are growing older (and maybe growing up).

I read the following prayer on the wall in Aunty Jan's toilet. I think it's a beauty - and a great challenge to the old, the almost old, and the going to be old one day folk.

LORD, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old.

Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs.

Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy.  With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest LORD that I want a few friends at the end.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point.

Seal my lips on my aches and pains.

Here's a great story I found from Australian Tim Cope in the Sydney Morning Herald. He trekked on horse back through the Carpathians in Ukraine. Here's an excerpt from his travel descriptions:

As if painted on a vertical canvas there were colourful wooden cottages perched on the opposing side of the valley bordered by greying timber fences, haystacks and glistening spring pastures.

Click here to read the entire article. Photo also by Tim Cope.

The lychee is a small fruit with a red rough skin incasing a white wet flesh that looks like an eyeball and tastes slightly better. But for the last week I have been donning the yellow rubber gloves, climbing my ladder and picking these little fruit.

It's been fun, tiring, slow, boring, interesting and a host of other interchangeable adjectives.

I've been working with Bec Adams, a girl I knew from years ago in Sydney and Maclean. We have had some great encouraging conversations. Picking is finished now, I won't be disappointed to finish picking lychees but I'm glad I had the experience.

This morning marked the opening of the 42nd parliament of Australia. Incoming Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, delivered his first speech and first commitment as Prime Minister of Australia.

He said sorry.

He apologised to the Aboriginal people of Australia for the crimes and injustices committed against them in past generations. I was impressed with his speech.

If you did not hear it, I encourage you to click here to read it on the web, and at least please read the story he told of Nanna Nungala Fejo.

Mr Rudd told Nanna Fejo's heartbreaking story but then finished by repeating her wishes. She said that for her the most important thing to be remembered and emphasised over this whole issue - is a mother's love.

A child should have a mother's love and a mother should have the right to love her child.