363 shopping days until Christmas 2011!!

Okay, that probably isn't the information for which most folk were looking!  Of course, it's a lot easier to calculate these days, with 24/7 shopping so increasingly prevalent.

I trust that everyone who reads my blog posts had a pleasant Christmas.  I certainly did, and am grateful for it.  However, I started Christmas Day by heading off at about 0830 hrs, to visit three police stations in the Division of Strathclyde Police in which I am a Force Chaplain.  I would have liked to have visited more, but time was of the essence, as I have an annual stint in the kitchen on that day - keeping my catering skills at a workable level!

However, my reason for mentioning this is not that I may be more highly thought of.  It is simply a reminder that, when the majority of us are enjoying a break from the normality of life - including a wee holiday from work - there are those who continue to attend to their jobs and, by doing so, help to keep the rest of us safe and secure, warm and mobile, fed and watered.

I refer, of course, not only to the police officers who were on duty on Christmas Day, but also to medical staff, firemen (and women?), bus drivers, those who kept the gas and electricity flowing so that the Christmas lunch could be cooked, bus drivers, taxi drivers, those who ensured that fresh, clean water continued to flow from our taps on demand.  A veritable army of individuals who gave up their own Christmas day in order that we might enjoy ours!

I was assured that my own visits were much appreciated.  Perhaps, next year, even a 'phone call to your local police station, hospital, fire station, or anywhere else that you are able to contact to say a brief "Thank you" to those who are working there, will be equally appreciated. 

At least you now know how many days you have to prepare!!!!