Monday
Today was the day…
Of the Queen’s funeral. Everyone knows about it today, but one day in the future, some will say, ‘when was the Queen’s funeral?’ and they will happen upon this blog and get the answer. I watched from my office…
Then when the main proceedings got under way at Westminster Abbey, we moved the TV (it’s on wheels) – I turned my work clock off and we watched the funeral service. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, presented a meaningful message with powerful, carefully measured words – a good Gospel message – with a mind-blowing audience.
After a bit more work, I paused to watch the procession pass Buckingham palace –
The UK certainly know how to bring out the pageantry and pull off a spectacle with precision and order. Centuries of tradition & history unfolding before our eyes. Windsor Castle where the Queen ended her journey, was built in 1070, so it’s 952 years old.
The gold Imperial State Crown has more than 2000 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls and 4 rubies. One of the sapphires is thought to have been discovered in 1163 in the tomb of St Edward the Confessor. The Sovereign’s Scepter with Cross and the Sovereign’s Orb – these two items are said to symbolize her relationship with God and power. The scepter is said to have been used at every coronation since 1661. The orb is used to remind the monarch that their power comes from God. It was very moving to see these items taken off the coffin and placed on the chapel altar. They will be taken up by King Charles. Hats off to the Queen’s Pall Bearers. All the events seem to go off so smoothly.
It’s the end of an era to be sure.
On the home front, it was busy. Ken arrived for a week. And a guest arrived in the Little Look out for 5 weeks. Tomorrow another guest arrives for 3 nights in the Seaview Apartment before he leaves on Friday and a couple arrive for the weekend. Ruth came today to do the required cleaning. That was helpful.
Tomorrow I have 5 meetings, so it’s going to be a busy day.
One of the Bible passages read at QEII’s funeral today…
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.
The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.
Keep the smile going.
God bless you.
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂