Thought for the Week

THERE were some amazing hats, lots of long legal wigs, uniforms smothered in gold braid, medals, extremely smart dresses, colourful costumes, and much pomp and ceremony. Their seats were reserved. St Giles Cathedral was packed to hear the new moderator deliver his first address to the assembly commissioners and the local congregation. Finally the procession came to an end and I noticed behind them, a small elderly lady walking slowly, and obviously quite painfully, using her walking stick.

She was quite confused by it all and looked around anxiously, not knowing where she should go. Her seat was not reserved.

Kind stewards guided her gently to a seat and she looked relieved. I thought of the stark contrast between the procession and this small elderly lady.

I wondered about the preparation to come to church that morning for both the procession and the elderly lady.

It must have taken much planning and preparing for the dignitaries to get their clothes just right and to look as splendid as they did.

I thought about the elderly lady, and wondered about her preparation.

She was in ordinary clothes and was probably unaware that such an event was taking place that day.

I remembered the story Jesus told of an elderly lady who hung back when she came into church because she felt she could not give as much as others could.

Jesus affirmed her and said that she had given generously from what she had.

The service at St Giles was lovely, Dr Barr’s address was inspiring and the singing was wonderful. I hope the elderly lady had a good enough seat to see things, but I also thought how good to know that there will be no ‘reserved seats’ signs in heaven.