I don’t believe in God. (sorry). But I went to church on Sunday, in a ceremony for Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II.
Having grown up in Sweden, church is a place you go to celebrate. I have never realised this until now, when discussing it with people who wonder why I would attend a church service if I am not religious. “Because it is about a celebration”, I reply. They look at me with scepticism.
It made me think.
In Sweden, the last day of the school year is a BIG DEAL. It is hugely celebrated, every year is an important milestone, and a loooooong summer (well…summer-ish…Sweden has a bit of an unpredictable summer weather thing going….) awaits, when EVERYONE is off (parents too!) for at least 4-5 weeks.
And that last day, “skolavslutning” is celebrated with parents, with a church ceremony where we sing about safe shrimp (internal joke with swedish people….”trygga rakan”!) and summer time. Children are all dressed in white, and then we have smorgostarta (sandwich cake).
So when I was invited by Buckinghamshire’s Lord-Lieutenant The Countess Howe to a Thanksgiving service for Her Majesty The Queen, I didn’t think twice. OF COURSE I will celebrate the most outstanding service and duty I have ever known. As an award-winning entrepreneur, I realise my work schedule is NOTHING compared to the woman who has been on duty for the past 70 years, and done a stellar job. I was honoured to attend and to show my appreciation and gratitude for the work and dedication of Her Majesty The Queen on her Platinum Jubilee.
This time, I didn’t wear white, but I did sing on the top of my lungs:
God Save The Queen.
#buckinghamshire
