The topic of how time flies is a popular one: each of us remarking how incredible it seems that it is April already, Friday again, that the children are growing up so fast… Ernest Dowson wrote a short poem which includes the poignant line: They are not long, the days of wine and roses. It encourages us to make the most of what we have, to appreciate the good in life and in our relationships, to seize the day.

The same poem also refers to ‘the weeping and the laughter’ not lasting long. It reminds me of the adage: this too, it shall pass, often quoted to me by a close friend when faced with any challenge. Difficult times can seem everlasting, until we realise one day that they too have passed.

The book of Ecclesiastes is famous for its passage on time and the well-known verse: To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. Sometimes we need reminding that there are seasons to our life, that pleasure will not last forever and nor will pain.

In our busy world, we need to take time to smell the roses, to stop, breathe and to value our life and relationships. But equally, we need time to explore the pain of grief and sadness when those moments come, not pushing it aside while we rush on. Better to observe our sorrow and acknowledge it, for it is part of who we are.