Thought for the Week

Last weekend was seen by many as one of national celebration and jubilation.

There were bands, horses and their riders, carriages, crowds lining streets, flags and bunting, and the Queen; all part of many ceremonies.

This weekend will see a similar backdrop and cast on display in the area of Scotland I come from. During the summer months, across Dumfries and Galloway and throughout the Scottish Borders, local tradition and pageantry come to the fore giving cause for celebration.

These events may not have royal status but each will have a regal flourish as gala queens, and cornets and their lasses, parade through the streets of ancient royal burghs.

HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration and the Riding of the Marches or Common Riding in southern Scotland see re-enactments of historic events and customs. The nation marked the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation, but much older local history is the cause for festivities in some of Scotland’s communities, as they observe customs dating back to the 13th century. Such occasions afford us reasons to congregate and mix – something which was/is greatly missed as we adapt to living with the presence of Covid-19.

They are also opportunities to express thanks to community leaders and organisers; for boundaries being in order – that ‘all is well’ in spite of so much being terribly wrong in this world. Individually, locally and nationally we have much to give thanks for, and we can choose to (or not) do that with God – you can even be thankful that you have the choice!

So in a season of celebration – marking what was and what is yet to be – let’s give thanks for those who impact for good, our lives, our communities and our nations.