Last week, at Priscilla’s funeral, we sung ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’… read ‘a time to be born and a time to die’… thanked God for ‘Cilla’s life… prayed for those mourning. Funerals can be sad occasions.
Cilla liked Cliff Richard. We were invited to reflect on our memories of Cilla whilst we heard Cliff singing: ‘We’re all goin’ on a summer holiday…’
The mood lifted. We smiled. Perhaps this was a picture of Cilla’s new heavenly home.
On Sunday afternoon we watched the Silhouette stage school’s summer show. Children danced, sung, acted… gaining skills, growing in confidence. We were proud of grandson -Luca’s performance.
We were particularly entertained by a group of small girls who, with brightly coloured buckets and spades performed a little routine to Cliff Richard’s ‘Summer Holiday’. In a very different context from last week’s, they were simply looking forward to ‘fun and laughter on our summer holidays… where the sun shines brightly… where the sea is blue…’
Several conversations recently have been about friends’ plans for their Summer Holiday… looking forward to much anticipated break. Like Cliff hoping ‘to make our dreams come true’.
Last night I was talking to Martin. In hospital with pneumonia a couple of weeks ago… looking forward to healing and returning home… living in anticipation of something good in the future…
One of the great aspects of Christian faith is the certain hope of something far better that is to come…
Rob Burrow, the rugby league legend and Motor Neurone Disease campaigner, died on Sunday aged 41. He left a final message that concluded:
‘My final message to you is whatever your personal battle be brave and face it. Every single day is precious. Don’t waste a moment. In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream.’
Summer Holiday mentality looks forward to that day when our dreams come true… Rob Burrow says we must live in and appreciate the present. Today is precious. I mustn’t waste it.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Rob Burrow’s message is both touching and powerful. The courage he exemplified was remarkable and a wonderful gift for his admirers. Thanks for sharing, Malcolm. 🙂
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He was a great example in the way he carried his illness and disability. Bringing Motor Neurone Disease to the attention of the general public through his bravery and high profile fund-raising was impressive.
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“I mustn’t waste it” – that feels like a lot of pressure. What would “wasting” a day look like? Might that be different from one individual to another?
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I guess it could lead to pressure, David. I think for me it’s a reminder to make good use of each day. I’m just grateful to be here. And yes, the way you ‘make best use of today’ will almost certainly be different from me.
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