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21/04/2018
A reading and a reflection to start the day, with the Rev Dr Stephen Wigley, chair of the Wales Synod of the Methodist Church.
Last on
Sat 21 Apr 2018
05:43
麻豆社 Radio 4
Script:
Good morning. Today is Her Majesty the Queen鈥檚 birthday so we offer our best wishes for her health and happiness. As many will know, the Queen also has an official birthday in the second week in June, which provides an opportunity for more public celebrations and the awarding of honours. It鈥檚 a tradition which goes back in time to her ancestor George II and it鈥檚 for good practical reasons; namely if you鈥檙e planning some outdoor celebrations, particularly in London, then it鈥檚 better to do it in summer when the weather is a little more reliable.
听
Now in our own (and much less significant) way, the Wigley family have also made special birthday arrangements. Our twins were born on 24th December, and given that both parents are Christian ministers, the chance of either of us being free for a birthday party on Christmas Eve has always been pretty slim. So, from an early stage we adopted the practice of a 鈥榟alf-year鈥� birthday in the middle of June 鈥� a much easier time to arrange invitations and parties 鈥� and over the years this arrangement has worked out pretty well.
听
In today鈥檚 pressurised age it鈥檚 not always easy to make space in busy schedules; but then I鈥檓 reminded of how Jesus, even in the most hectic periods of his life, somehow found time to meet with individuals, whether a woman in a crowd or a beggar by a roadside, and how often such encounters changed lives. In different settings, I too have learnt that it鈥檚 important to make time for such moments, so that if you can鈥檛 be there on the dates in the calendar, you can at least make time in the diary for the people and events which matter.
听
Heavenly Father, In Jesus you entered our world to make space and time for us; help us in our dealings with each other to make the most of the precious opportunities we have to share together. For Christ鈥檚 sake, Amen.
听
Now in our own (and much less significant) way, the Wigley family have also made special birthday arrangements. Our twins were born on 24th December, and given that both parents are Christian ministers, the chance of either of us being free for a birthday party on Christmas Eve has always been pretty slim. So, from an early stage we adopted the practice of a 鈥榟alf-year鈥� birthday in the middle of June 鈥� a much easier time to arrange invitations and parties 鈥� and over the years this arrangement has worked out pretty well.
听
In today鈥檚 pressurised age it鈥檚 not always easy to make space in busy schedules; but then I鈥檓 reminded of how Jesus, even in the most hectic periods of his life, somehow found time to meet with individuals, whether a woman in a crowd or a beggar by a roadside, and how often such encounters changed lives. In different settings, I too have learnt that it鈥檚 important to make time for such moments, so that if you can鈥檛 be there on the dates in the calendar, you can at least make time in the diary for the people and events which matter.
听
Heavenly Father, In Jesus you entered our world to make space and time for us; help us in our dealings with each other to make the most of the precious opportunities we have to share together. For Christ鈥檚 sake, Amen.
Broadcast
- Sat 21 Apr 2018 05:43麻豆社 Radio 4
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