On this day 75 years ago, the Allies of World War II formally accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender. Today, people in the UK were celebrating in appropriately distanced family groups along the streets of towns and villages throughout the country. The Queen's 4 minute speech was a great example, I thought, of how one person - monarch or ordinary citizen - can offer their unique influence to the world in ways that build others up.
I kind of missed being in the UK to be part of the celebrations - evidently embraced as an opportunity for national unity and celebration during the current crisis. I wished afterwards that we'd had our own 'tea & scones,' although perhaps not out on the street!
Instead, let's have some alternative 'on this day' entries:
- On this day, the Spanish government announced at least one more week of lockdown restrictions for Malaga province. We had wondered if our weekly Sabbath get-together was the last to be held over Zoom, since there had been rumours that gatherings of up to 10 people would be permitted from Monday. But that's not to be.
- On this day, Tim decided that 40 Ebenezer Stories is not quite enough and, for the sake of having a daily goal as well as for the sake of more stories to be told, he'll keep going to 50.
- On this day, Manu and I walked the dogs and I appreciated again how insightful, funny and interesting she is to talk to. 12 going on 25 ;-)
- On this day, we recorded a video update for our partner churches which took half a dozen takes and lots of laughter to get right.
- On this day, my sister and I compared our ability to do pistol squats, which has to be one of the more interesting uses I have found for a video call.
- On this day, we made pizza and watched a family movie and enjoyed cuddles with our own two doggies.
I doubt that in 75 years time, anyone will remember this particular day. There is nothing momentous in it, really, just ordinary work and family routines that are the container for our lives. And yet, days such as these are no less significant for all that. A life is built on the foundation of ordinary, more or less productive days of compassionate relationships, decent conversations and good food shared with the people you love. Surely it is just this kind of 'ordinary' that nations will go to war to protect?
Loved your blog. Finding the extraordinary with the ordinary. Perhaps we need to be doing that every day. I understand what you mean by the last sentence. I'm sure many of the ordinary Germans and GIs and Tommies were fighting for "God, King & Country" - or versions of that - and to protect their homes and families from the invader - but the leadership that pushes them into the front line usually has darker motives, more to do with national politics and corporate economics. I was talking with my younger son yesterday about what we think the world will be like, post-virus, and whether the present capitalist system will survive. We both agreed things need to change, but he was sceptical and pessimistic. Until mankind truly grasps and practices the full meaning of "Love your neighbour as yourself", I fear we shall be destined to repeat our failures, but I hold on to the promises in God's Word: Luke 18:27 "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Stay safe and well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrew, glad you are finding intersections between my thoughts and yours!
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