As you have walked down any high street or road with shops I am sure you have seen displays marking the Queens Jubilee. Some streets are having parties and others or celebrating by putting flags or bunting up. At the age of 96 the Queen is still doing the role she was never intended to have. Her father King George was not in line to become King, his brother Edward was and yet in a turn of events Edward abdicated and his brother became King, which led to his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, taking the throne 70 years ago.
Life has taken many twists and turns in the last few years with the pandemic and the lockdowns and life changing for so many. For some who caught covid they are still living with the long term affects of the virus and for many they are still grieving for loved ones who died. The cost of living crisis that is upon us in the UK means there might feel there is little to celebrate right now, but this weekend many will in the extra bank holiday for the Queens Jubilee with street parties or family gatherings.
One thing we can all celebrate is the love we have for our families and friends and the ability to see them and spend time with them yet when all is not going well and there feels like there is nothing to celebrate our family and friends are still there for us, just as God is.
One of my favourite books in the Bible is Ecclesiastes and Chapter 3 speaks of a time for everything:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
So whether you are celebrating this weekend or are taking time to be with family and friends or if you are ignoring all the celebrations for your own reasons, remember God is with us in everything we do and through every season of our lives.