Thought for the week

MY wife and I have just returned from a short break in Jersey. Our only previous visit to Jersey was for our honeymoon some years ago.

The trip was originally planned for 2021 to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary but was cancelled because of the travel restrictions which affected us all.

What a joy it was to be able to fly from Liverpool to Jersey pretty much as it used to be prepandemic.

After all the ups and downs of recent months we were so thankful to be able to get away and at last to celebrate that very important milestone in our life together.

A celebration to mark an important personal event or an anniversary can be so refreshing, uplifting and memorable.

How much more then have we all benefitted from the national and local celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee of our remarkable Queen? Such celebrations and festivities rightly reflected our thanks for a long life of faithful and dedicated service.

They also afforded all of us, individuals and communities alike, opportunities to participate in and enjoy the events in person or via TV or other media.

In her 21st birthday radio address, the then Princess Elizabeth recorded these now well-known words: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service…” and prayed, “God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.”

Now in 2022 and with the benefit of hindsight we can give thanks that God answered that prayer and for Her Majesty’s long life of devoted service to our country, the Commonwealth and beyond.