We live in a world where we can feel under constant pressure to get things done. If we have taken on responsibilities at work or in social or community situations, we set targets that we must achieve and fear letting people down . Then events occur which give us pause for thought. We may become unwell, or suffer an accident and can no longer carry out tasks that seemed so vital.

Guess what? The world does not fall apart. Perhaps other people step in and help out. Other people may rejoice in being needed and given an opportunity they have not had before. We busy people may also learn that being forced to be more passive brings with is a sense of security and peace. We may notice beauty in things which we would have ignored in better times.

As the poet said,'What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?' May we all learn to relish the down-time and re-charge ou batteries for the future.