On Saturday I attended the Flying Proms air display at the Shuttleworth Collection. It was a spectacular event: not only for the flying display by many historic aircraft, but also for the music provided by The National Symphony Orchestra. All around were people in good spirits and enjoying the occasion by watching, listening, singing and dancing. During the interval the display team ‘Firebirds’ gave us an exhibition of close flying with lights and sparks lighting up the sky. All in all, it was a wonderful event for everyone to enjoy.
I suppose for some people it was an opportunity to take themselves away from the mundane things of day-to-day living and enjoy an evening out. As much I was enjoying the evening with friends, it started me thinking about those who are caught up in the wars and conflicts of the world, particularly in Ukraine, Russia, Israel and Gaza, for whom the sky is lit up by drones dropping explosives, inbound missiles and the prospect of injury, death and destruction. It also reminded me of what thousands of soldiers went through as we remember eighty years ago Victory over Japan.
We in comparison live an easy life, but with our own struggles of living our own daily lives. For those who have a faith in their Christian beliefs, life is the same – but those people have a God in whom they can trust and that faith brings hope and light to a situation that might be dark and claustrophobic – closing in on the space that is their life. I pray that you may find hope for the future as you link into the light that is Jesus Christ.
May I wish you God’s blessings.
Revd Graham
