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Good morning.

As a grandparent, I’ve re-entered the world of children’s cartoon programmes.  My favourites are Paw Patrol and of course Peppa Pig.  Sadly the children have now outgrown Peppa Pig.  But I have not.  The best of these programmes are very clever pieces of communication – funny and focused.  And the children absorb them and enjoy them.

But when the Edinburgh Festival begins later today, we’ll find a live show to take them to.  We’ve done the Giant Turnip and the Gruffalo in previous years. 

It’s worth it just to see the different kind of engagement which a live stage show provides for the children.  They are entranced - instead of just absorbing they find themselves part of something.  They share the experience with the performers and the rest of the audience.  It’s not passive – the child’s own imagination is involved working to complete the experience. 

I’ve worked with people all my life – watched as each episode of their lives unfolds around them.  People can be very stoic – feeling that they just have to doggedly ‘take what comes’ - passively accepting the bad and the good. That’s brave – but sometimes they feel swamped or powerless.  Then, at other times, they become actors in the story of their own lives – playing the most creative part they can – shaping and reshaping their story with courage and faith.   

Lord God
As we are challenged by the ups and downs of life
Teach us how to accept what happens
And to play our part
In remaking the drama of our own lives
With strength and hope.  Amen.