The squirrels have been playing in the garden this morning, chasing each other, looking quizzically in the open back door. We’re entertained. The squirrels are our friends.
Keith, our neighbour, sees squirrels as vermin. He has shot squirrels on local farms. He would shoot those in our garden if he could. The squirrels are Keith’s enemies.
On this day, 29th July, in 1588, the Spanish Armada entered the English Channel. This huge fleet, 141 ships, was to invade England, depose the protestant Queen Elizabeth, and reinstate Catholicism in England.
The British fleet engaged with the Spanish on 30th July, finally defeating them on 8th August. Queen Elizabeth later spoke of: ‘…a famous victory over those enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people.’
On Sunday we battled against the Spanish again. The women’s Euro finals wasn’t about politics or religion. (Is football a religion?!) We saw physical endeavour, commitment to the cause, and a desire to win.
After England’s victory, English and Spanish players embraced each other, congratulating and commiserating with each other; some play together for their club sides. English and Spanish footballers were not enemies but opponents who were friends.
It’s a lesson our political leaders could learn. Opponents with different opinions, different loyalties, different beliefs, can still have respect, trust and even friendship.
It’s a lesson our churches should learn. Christians with differing views on abortion, gay marriage, immigration… should not be enemies. They may sometimes be opponents… but they can be friends. They play for the same side!
After Sunday’s game Michelle Agyemang was named Young Player of the Tournament. In a BBC interview she said: ‘I thank God for where he’s brought us as a team… It’s only by the grace of God… the teammates around me, the staff, the coaches, everyone’s put in the effort to help me get me where I am…’
Somehow this bold 19-year-old brings perspective. I’m musing on people I disagree with… whether I see them as enemies, opponents or friends.
malcolmsmusings.org 
“Opponents with different opinions, different loyalties, different beliefs, can still have respect, trust and even friendship.” – yes, Malcolm! Love the example that Michelle provided!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Watching that football (soccer!!) was a great example of that, Wynne. Playing hard with no compromise, but still respecting and caring for the opponent.
LikeLiked by 1 person