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A Remarkable Woman 

queenThe Queen is by any measure a remarkable woman
 
She's the longest reigning monarch in British history.
 
She never went to university, but she has been the adviser and confidante to twelve British Prime Ministers.
 
She's a 90-year-old senior citizen, but still works over 40 hours a week.
 
She employs 1200 people, but feeds her own dogs.
 
She can rebuild the 6-cylinder, 3462cc engine of an Austin K2 Ambulance, trek hatless for hours on her Fell pony across the windswept Highland moors, but she looks entirely comfortable and elegant in the 488 diamond Kokoshnik tiara.
 
She is the most famous woman in the world, but seems as relaxed in a school. a residential care home or a technology company as in the company of celebrities or other Heads of State.
 
She is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, attends church weekly, even on holiday, and prays daily but never tells anyone to go to church.
 
She has no power to make political decisions but her personal authority has brought nations together.
 
She has had a gruelling travel and work schedule for over 6o years but as political commentator Andrew Marr pointed out: ‘There are no reliable recorded incidents of the Queen losing her temper, using bad language, or  refusing to carry out a duty expected of her.’
 
Most of us would find it hard to match that record for a week never mind 60 years.
 
What is the secret of the Queen's remarkable consistency of character and extraordinary contribution to nation, Commonwealth and the global community?
 
It's a question she herself answered in 2002:
 
“I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my
best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God... I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.”
 
(From the introduction to ‘The Servant Queen and the King she serves’ by Mark Greene and Catherine Butcher)
 
Join in a celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday at a special ‘Songs of Praise’ service in the Feast Marquee on Harwell Recreation Ground at 4pm on Sunday 29th May.

Revd Dr Jonathan Mobey
Rector of Harwell with Chilton
May 2016

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