Thought for the week

THE many joyful and inclusive celebrations taking place around the Queen’s Jubilee are a much needed tonic for all of us, both as individuals and as a nation coming out of Covid.

How blessed we are to have had this beautiful woman as a symbol and role model for so many years.

She is not only our Queen; she is also a thoroughly good woman.

Her radiant smile says so much about her inner life of faithful love: love for her family and for all with whom she comes in contact.

She is a woman at peace with herself and from the depths of that inner peace and joy comes much wisdom. “The only way to live my life is to do what is right.” It was not surprising in this context to hear her talking about the crucial importance of tackling climate change.

These thoughts on joy and celebration reminded me that the gift of joy is not a luxury bestowed on a few lucky people who just seem to have ‘had it all’. Not at all, joy is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and is for everyone who seeks goodness. Joy is connected to gratitude. There is always a choice. I can look at my life and list all the negatives or I can look at the beauty of creation, loving relationships, the miracle of birth, the kindness of friends: the list could go on. If I can do all that and say thank You, joy will fill my heart and my life. Yes, even in the hardest of times. Life is tough, it is not a bed of roses, but Love conquered death. Queen Elizabeth discovered this. Thank you our Queen for you faith, your hope, your love and your joy.