Close-Ups and the Drone’s-Eye View

Lowestoft’s Gull Wing bridge finally opened on Saturday morning. Initially only pedestrians crossed. Many posted close-up selfies on social media; there were also drone’s-eye pictures of the hundreds crossing the bridge.

Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: ‘Today is a significant moment in Lowestoft’s proud history, and it was wonderful to see so many local people being part of it.’

Others reflected on decades of discussion and planning… construction starting in 2021… its scheduled 2023 opening… delays… the drone’s-eye view.

Yesterday at church Charlene, Aleisha, Will and David were baptised. Their friends and families attended a service of emotion, joy and gratitude. Many watched and listened. It was a close up, focusing on them on that important occasion.

They told their stories, how they’d reached this point. The drone flew higher; we saw a bigger picture. Today their lives continue. The higher flying drone will see how this one day fits into the rest of their lives.

Last night I thoroughly enjoyed watching Thom Bailey skilfully present ‘Three Kings’, Stephen Beresford’s powerful one-man play…

…Patrick’s an eight-year-old. His absent father returns unexpectedly for a brief but memorable encounter. It’s a close up.

The story continues: a drone’s-eye view of Patrick’s life… recalling that meeting, tracing the events of his father’s life… including broken family relationships, the gifts and burdens of inheritance, life’s plans and disappointments…

Minister-Lou gave each of those baptised, a Bible verse that pointed to a caring, active, powerful God who focuses on today, but sees life’s big picture with His drone’s-eye view.

Will’s was: ‘The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’

Today’s the start of a new week. I see today in close-up. I step back, see the bigger picture – gratitude for the past, hope for the future – my drone’s-eye view. I muse on my God who sees both close-up and drone’s-eye view more clearly that I can…