What’s it Worth?

The build-up to the World Cup continues. The England team are training in Florida…

Yesterday I learnt that the shirt worn by Pelé in the 1958 World Cup final is to be sold. Bidding opens at Sotheby’s in New York on 29 June — 68 years to the day since the 17-year-old Pele scored two goals in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over Sweden.

The shirt is expected to sell for an estimated £4.5million. If someone will pay that much, I guess that’s what it’s worth…

I’m reading ‘Forever Sunshine’, the story of Morecambe and Wise – told by Eric Morcambe’s son Gary. The cover reads:

‘Sweet and funny, touching and poignant, these untold stories and anecdotes let us get to know the two men who became the biggest British comedy act of all time.’

Enduring friendship, close family life, personal memories, enduring humour from comic geniuses… How do you put a value on that?

Yesterday we enjoyed sunshine and rain, blue skies and dark clouds. Morecambe and Wise will be remembered singing:

Bring me sunshine in your smile bring me laughter all the while
In this world where we live there should be more happiness
So much joy you can give to each brand-new bright tomorrow…

Smile, laughter, happiness, joy, the hope of a ‘brand-new bright tomorrow’… What’s it worth.

Yesterday’s mixed weather brought several impressive rainbows – bright, beautifully positioned at the end of our garden. Eric and Ernie’s song continues:

Bring me sunshine in your eyes bring me rainbows from the sky
Life’s too short to be spent having anything but fun
We can be so content if we gather little sunbeams…

A number of friends attach particular significance to rainbows; some of my Christian friends, link rainbows to God’s presence and His personal and dependable promises… begging questions about the value of rainbows and God’s presence and promises.

Returning to the song… I’m asked to bring sunshine and smiles, to be a purveyor of rainbows and sunbeams… and if I can achieve this, what am I worth?