Reflection for August 2026
Mothballs and Spent Matches
Why did summer holidays seem to stretch on forever when we were children?
Every August, my family of six would head off for a week-long caravan adventure. With four kids and two adults, the car was packed to absolute capacity. The boot was completely full, forcing us to pile our sleeping bags directly onto the seats around us. We would then join the endless queues of traffic, crawling alongside thousands of other families chasing the same holiday dream.
When we finally pulled into the caravan site, a new test of patience began. We waited in the car for what felt like an eternity, while Dad sorted out our allocation and collected the keys.
Finally, we would arrive at our temporary home. The routine was always the same: Dad unlocked the door, Mum started unpacking, and my twin and I were handed the water barrel. Our mission was to fetch water immediately so Mum could put the kettle on for a cup of tea.
It is fascinating how strongly memories are tied to scent. For me, the smell of mothballs instantly triggers the joy of those family holidays. The caravans always carried that distinct aroma—likely used to protect the curtains and cushions during the off-season. While most people dislike it, that smell always brings back my fondest childhood moments.
Because my twin and I slept on the dining table that converted into a bed, we were the first to wake up. Every morning, we were roused by the smell of a struck match as Mum lit the gas stove for her morning tea.
Then came a quirky tradition that has been lost to time. Mum would always turn around, smile, say good morning, and hand each of us a single sugar cube to eat. To this day, I have no idea why we had sugar cubes instead of loose sugar on holiday. It made absolutely no sense, considering they were impossible to sprinkle over our morning cereal!
Looking back, those simple sugar cubes and the warmth of that cramped caravan remind me so much of the sweetness of God’s grace. Just like the long, endless summer days of our youth, His love for us stretches out for eternity. In a world that is always rushing by, I am deeply thankful for a faithful Creator who blesses us with the gift of family, fills our lives with simple joys, and leaves us with precious memories that time can never fade.
Val Martyn