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A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Major Anne Read.

Good morning

Last month, my 95 year old father in law, Harry jumped out of a plane. The member of the Red Devil parachute team he was strapped to took responsibility for Harry’s landing. But 75 years previously in the early hours of D-Day, he and his young comrades of 6th Airborne jumped into the shell and tracer bullet riven darkness alone.

The number of people staying active into old age has grown tremendously during Harry’s lifetime. And many of them claim to have the secrets of a good old age including having a nice cup of tea - and giving the tea bag a good stir before you take it out; balancing on one leg - probably not whilst drinking your cup of tea; and watching an hour less television - perhaps that’s the hour you spend standing on one leg and drinking tea.

Contrary to the idea that older people are a drain on our economy, our communities are richer not just for what older people can do but for the wisdom and inspiration they can bring.

Before his jump to honour his comrades Harry said, ‘whatever age we are, we are more than capable of shrinking from something that we feel is beyond us. But, I believe we should not withdraw from a challenge – yesterday is not our best, our best is tomorrow.’

Through the prophet Isaiah God said ‘I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you and I will carry you along and save you.’

Mighty God, thank you that we need not fear jumping into the darkness alone, because you are with us. Give us courage to face the challenges of this day we pray.

Amen

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