Whether you are a royalist or not, there is so much to celebrate about the life and service given by Queen Elizabeth. Here's Jude, Licensed Lay Minister, with our latest blog post, this Platinum Jubilee Weekend.
For 70 years Queen Elizabeth II has lived as she promised, a life of service, dedicated to the people of our country and the Commonwealth, still working at the age of 96 with few complete days off as the ‘Red boxes’ (full of important documents and decisions to be made) go to her daily.
She epitomises dedication, care, love, calmness in personal, national and international tragedy and not least strength.
Andrew Marr recalled her gruelling work schedule over her first 60 years and the fact that there were “no reliable incidents of the queen losing her temper, using bad language or refusing to carry out a duty expected of her.”
How many of us can say that in working lives a fraction of the length?
In 2002, twenty years ago the Queen said: “I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God…I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.”
Her roots and foundation in God is what sustains and drives her each day and what we too aspire to and believe, helps us to be better people and create better outcomes for our world. Like her, we say "Thy Kingdom Come on earth as it is in heaven." That dedication, care, love and calmness are qualities that we should wish to have in our lives and work. I hope to be 96 sometime and still be able to contribute something to others (God willing!).
I end with some special words the Queen said six months before her Coronation, which speak to us now, whatever we do in life and wherever we find ourselves: “Pray that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you all the days of my life.”
God has answered her prayers and answers ours too!
Go well this week!
Jude
Licensed Lay Minister
Join us for Platinum Jubilee Celebrations - Sunday 5th June, 12:15 at St Paul's Church. Click here to find out more.
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