Celebrating service
The first weekend in June, here in Britain, we have a four day weekend to allow us to celebrate, if we wish, 70 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Whatever your thoughts on whether we should have a monarchy or not there is no doubt that 70 years of service is remarkable. I accept that the Queen has had a hugely privileged life with access to wealth beyond the wildest dreams of many of us but she has also lived her life in the public eye constantly aware of her duty. The weekend of the anniversary of her accession to the throne in February – the anniversary of her father’s death - I admit that I shed a tear as I read the account of the news of his death being broken to her. This was a young woman who was required to return to Britain with the eyes of the world upon her as she mourned the death of a beloved father.
In my other work as an archivist I specialise in working for Religious congregations – mainly Roman Catholic women. I often find myself cataloguing records of jubilee celebrations marking their years of membership of the congregation, their years of service. It was working in that atmosphere that I discovered not only that 70 years is a platinum jubilee but 75 years is oak! Can you imagine that length of service? To devote yourself to a purpose and a life that you believe in with all your heart and devote yourself to it whether as a monarch or a nun or indeed a husband or wife?
Service is a wonderful thing and it’s quite right that we celebrate it whether with jubilees, retirement celebrations, anniversary parties or medals and awards. But there are also lots of acts of service that go unnoticed and unthought about every day and it’s important that we recognise those, especially when we’re the one who is undertaking that act of service. It’s far too easy to just say, “Oh anyone would do the same.” or, “It’s just what’s expected.” But that doesn’t make it any easier. That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a great big pat on the back.
Remember the beginning of the lockdown when we stood on our doorsteps every Thursday night and applauded our NHS workers, carers and key workers. Their service is vital at all times, not just during a pandemic. They deserve our thanks and our praise every day even when waiting lists are long and appointments are delayed. They are doing their best, often in difficult circumstances.
Acts of service for others help keep society functioning, help to stop the vulnerable slip through the cracks, help those lost and in need feel seen and valued.
I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me during my treatment for cancer that every single NHS worker who has crossed my path whether receptionist, cleaner, porter, nurse, doctor, consultant or surgeon has made me feel like I matter, that my questions or needs haven’t burdened them. Even when phone calls have been an hour later than expected because they’re so busy knowing that no question is silly or wasting their time.
Next time you have the opportunity to thank someone or even better praise them for the service they’ve given, do it. It’s so easy for us to get swept along by life and miss these moments.
And please take a moment to recognise the service you provide for others whether inside the home or outside, whether paid or unpaid. It matters. You matter. Let that sink in. And whether you choose to use any of the long bank holiday weekend to celebrate or commemorate the Queen’s 70 years of service make sure that you recognise and celebrate what you give to the world!
