麻豆约拍

A reflection and prayer to start the day with Rick Hill

Good morning.

On this day 1940 the German Luftwaffe began what we know as the Battle of Britain.

The brave men and women of the RAF, Fleet Air Arm and Royal Observer Corps worked together to defend our shores against the onslaught.
I recall a conversation with my friend David, an old RAF veteran who was a member of a parish I worked in some years back. I noticed he had a framed medal in the corner of his living room. I asked what it was. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 my Distinguished Flying Cross鈥�, he replied.

I pressed him a bit further. 鈥淲hat were you awarded that for?鈥� I asked.
His reply, 鈥淚 was just doing my job, we all were鈥�.

His wife asked him to tell me more. She was obviously proud of him.
Eventually he went on to tell me of how his aircraft had been pretty badly damaged by an enemy fighter and how his actions had helped get it back to an airfield and saved the lives of some of the crew.

His words, 鈥渏ust doing my job鈥� have stuck with me ever since that conversation.

St Paul says in his first letter to the Corinthians, 鈥淟ove does not brag, is not puffed up鈥�.

David was no braggart. There was no sense of fake humility about him either. This self-effacing Ulsterman was genuinely satisfied with having done his duty. I do think he was pleased that I鈥檇 noticed the medal and asked for details. Content to see his duty still mattered.

Heavenly Father,
We give thanks for those all who did their job and continue to inspire us as we recall their service.
Help us in turn to serve with love for one another that is not puffed-up.
Amen.

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