Happenings 09/06/22

I was listening last week to an English commentator speaking about the Queen's Jubilee, and more specifically about the qualities that has made Queen Elizabeth such an effective leader. Firstly, he noted her dependability; the last few months notwithstanding, she has been a monarch who always 'showed up'. She lived up to the responsibilities she had been given and could be counted on to follow through. Secondly, he talked about her adaptability. Under her watch, Queen Elizabeth has overseen a radical shift in the Commonwealth of Nations which has seen many countries cutting or loosening the ties that bound them to Britain. While this separation has been inevitable, she has handled the change with a grace and flexibility that has preserved the bonds of relationships between countries, and a large measure of goodwill towards Britain has been retained as a result. And thirdly, he noted the length of her reign - she is the longest reigning British monarch in history, and in her time has outlasted twelve Prime Ministers and seven popes, not to mention any number of world rulers! In a world which so often clamours for leaders of charisma, charm and the 'x-factor', Queen Elizabeth has shown us the effectiveness of leaders who simply show character, integrity, service and perseverance. What lessons might we learn from her that we can apply to our spheres of influence? Something to think about.

In Him,
Murray