Yesterday afternoon… We went with the grandchildren to the Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth. Built in 1903 it’s Britain’s only surviving circus building. This year’s ‘Summer Spectacular’ included acrobats, jugglers, aerial stars, motorbike stunt riders, together with the children’s favourite, Johnny Mac, a mad Scottish comedian.
With children about to return to school and the weather unpredictable the circus was full. It was good to be part of a crowd enjoying ourselves together.
Recently I’ve been part of a crowd…
…At Carrow Road. Watching Norwich City we share the joy when the Canaries win; we share frustration when they lose. The football crowd are supporters who want to win.
…At the Lowestoft Carnival. Local folks lined the streets to watch elaborate floats, decorated vehicles, marching groups. The carnival crowd brought the community together.
…At the wedding. Friends and family witnessed Abbie and Jacob making promises to each other, shared prayers and good wishes for their future happiness. The wedding crowd expressed love and care.
…In the supermarket. Not my favourite! Oblivious shoppers block the aisles; trolleys have a mind of their own. The supermarket crowd gets what it needs.
…At church. Each Sunday we sing, pray, listen and learn together. We chat and catch up with our friends. The church crowd share and express their faith together.
It’s good to be part of a crowd – to share experiences and emotions with people who are like me.
After being part of a crowd I come home. I’m alone, an individual, reflecting on what I enjoy, who I support, how I relate to my community, who I love, what I need, how I express my faith. It’s just me.
This morning I read the story of Palm Sunday – a crowd celebrates Jesus coming into Jerusalem on a donkey. Soon there will be a crowd calling for Jesus’ death and watching His execution… I imagine I’m part of that crowd – the sights, the sounds, the emotions.
But then I’m home, alone, deciding what I think and how I respond.
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