Mary Poppins

Yesterday we went to the Co-op Juniors Christmas Spectacular at Snape Maltings. It was a wonderful production – about 100 young people aged (I guess) 6-18, singing and dancing. There were impressive costumes, complex choreography, accurate harmonies and slick production in a beautiful auditorium. It was indeed a Christmas Spectacular!

Amongst the Christmas carols, Santas, elves and Christmas themes there were several songs from ‘Mary Poppins’, including ‘Feed the Birds’ and ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’.

‘Feed the birds’ is a beautiful, gentle song of compassion, telling of a woman who cares for and feeds the birds ‘on the steps of St Paul’s’. ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ is an energetic, funny, nonsense song that uses a long word where a simple and straightforward one would do.

There have been 2 major stories in the national news this week – covid and parties.

There’s been a rise in covid cases, concern about the rapidly spreading Omicron covid variant, statistics and scientists, Boris Johnson’s new ‘Plan B’ rules…

There’s also been the revelations of the 2020 Christmas parties at No 10 Downing Street… hypocritical politicians being seen breaking their own rules… the resulting in anger and frustration from many.

Musing…

… As I read of covid it’s easy to get caught up in the science, the figures and the rules. I need to remember the little old bird-woman’s gentleness, compassion and faithfulness to those in need.

…As I read of 2020 parties I think of ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ nonsense that tries to cover over straightforwardness with long words and bluster – and the need for honesty and integrity.

…This morning I read ‘This is my prayer, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best…’ (Philippians 1:9)… the abounding love of the bird woman, the insight and discernment that sees through the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious facade.

…I’m not suggesting that Mary Poppins is God, but on this they seem to have a similar view.