I had not realised, when I complained about the stress and disruption of the extension, that afterwards I would be left with something that I enjoy every day. It’s all lovely, but the hands down winner for me is the window in our bedroom. Through it I can watch the clouds go past, the sky change colour, the birds fly over and the leaves on the rowan tree move in the breeze. Our builder knew I would spend a lot of my time in the new front sitting room, but he didn’t realise that the room behind it would give me so much comfort and joy.

I wonder if you have ever done something for somebody that you thought little of at the time, but they treasure even now? I wonder too if you realised how much it meant, would you do it more?

I am often saying thank-you, more than ever, because so many people are doing so much for me. In the past I would have forgotten as life bustled by. There was always intention but often that faded away before I did anything. Perhaps it would sound odd to thank a person for something they did a long time ago, but surely it would mean all the more. Last week, I was reminded of a thing I did four maybe five years ago that I thought was long forgotten, but it turned out it was still valued.

Have a think over your past and see if something good was done for you that you’re still grateful for today. On the other hand, keep up your own kind acts whether you get thanked or not. Because you never know the impact they have had.

For every kind thing that you have done, I say thank-you. And one day, as they say, ‘you’ll get your reward in heaven’!