Howzzat!!

On Sunday evening, on my way home from our monthly Communion service I was surprised to see ten Whatsapp messages from my brothers in Southampton and Spain.  Once back at the Manse I realised they were sharing the nervous tension surrounding the final moments of the cricket World Cup from Lords.  As brothers we do this!  We may not have spoken for weeks, yet come a sporting cup final of any kind and there's an instinct amongst us that we must share the moment together!  Even though I'm the least 'sporty' of the three I love these moments - they are very special!

It's got me thinking this week about the 'community' side of life and how we are simply not made to experience our deepest lows or most exuberant highs alone.

This week thousands of students will have shared their Graduation ceremonies with invited family guests.  Their achievement is a very personal one yet it is to be shared collectively.

On Monday I had the privilege of officiating at the funeral of a wonderful lady well into her nineties.  It was inspiring to see so many people at the crematorium, so much so that the stewards ran out of both orders of service and seats.  It was clear that the guests that morning wanted to be together, to gather around her widower and share the moment with him. Human love and decency at its very best.

And this weekend our family will gather to celebrate an 80th birthday.  I cannot imagine that ever being a private affair!  Cakes have been baked, cards drawn and speeches prepared.  How could it be otherwise?  We all simply want to gather together and sing 'Happy Birthday!'

The notion of God is expressed in the bible as Trinity, a COMMUNITY of love, goodness and light.  We are made to share in that sense of togetherness - it's part of our humanity which reflects the nature of God.

To pinch a line from a one time advert on TV promoting chocolate toffees: Life is meant for sharing!

Have a good summer - the Blog returns in September.

God bless!