On my 40th birthday, I was given a picture of HM The Queen, and it has been up in my bedroom ever since, not on display in some crazy fanatical way, just hid away on one of my walls. My kids probably wouldn't even know it is there (which may be more of a comment on their observational skills). It is a beautiful picture of her, and I was grateful for it as a gift.
Yesterday, I received a belated birthday gift, a bottle of wine and and a wine stopper. The wine stopper has The Crown Jewels on it; a nod to my appreciation of Her Majesty.
And yesterday of course, she passed away. The whole nation and beyond, are feeling it. I was watching the news update, as the expected announcement came in. A picture of her was shown and 'God save the Queen' played to end the announcement. I shed a tear or two, as I think many others did. (Not everyone of course, for different reasons...)
But for me, I've watched her from childhood. I've written to her about my kittens and told her my cat had died, which her Lady in Waiting conveyed Her Majesty's apparent care about. I've travelled up to London, for various Royal occassions, including her recent Jubilee celebrations. I even had the great privilege of meeting her, when she visited our local nursery. She asked my pregnant self, if my two young boys were a handful. I told her they weren't. Actually, I said, "Nah, they're lovely". (Much to my mum's horror at how I addressed her). In my defence, I wasn't meant to talk to her, but I was in the wrong place at the right time and she spoke to me first...
I enjoyed a text chat with my friend, where we talked about Her Majesty meeting the King of kings last night.
Not only with her formal role, as 'Defender of the Faith', but The Queen also shared a personal walk with Jesus. In her Christmas broadcast of 2000, she stated, "For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God, provide a framework in which I try to lead my life". What a legacy. What a way to lead your life.
My friend text me; "To hear Him say to her, 'Well done good and faithful servant - I'm a bit jealous". And I replied; "And to offer her a crown for all she has done". My friend text back, "And I bet it makes the old Crown Jewels look like party tat". Ha, I thought that was an amazing observation; the expensive, beautiful Crown Jewels, (which I now have represented on a wine topper) would be nothing in comparison to the riches of Heaven.
The Bible loves a crown! It talks about 'The Imperishable Crown' - running the race for God faithfully, to receieve a Heavenly reward which will not break or perish or decay. 'The Crown of Rejoicing', will also be our reward, when Jesus wipes away every sadness and every tear, and death itself. 'The Crown of Righteousness' given to us, not because of what we deserve but because of what Jesus has done for us. 'The Crown of Glory' - describing God's majesty and splendor. 'The Crown of Life' - given to all believers who put their faith in Jesus. I can't wait to get mine!
I believe Her Majesty understood about these crowns, as she dutifully wore hers. As she lays aside her Royal crowns, and the odd Tiara, I believe she is given the Crown of Life, for a servant-hearted life well led. In the words of Paddington Bear, "Thank you Ma'am, for everything" or 'Well done Good & Faithful servant'.
"Blessed is the man (or woman) who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will recieve the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him". James 1v12