Tip of My Iceberg

The world has paused to remember the reign of a royal lady who sat on the throne of England for seventy years. A woman who was demure by nature, responsible in all she did, and committed to doing her work in the best way she could.

Queen Elizabeth II was greatly respected, dearly loved, and mostly misunderstood by many who don’t grasp the big picture of royalty in England. In America, where royalty is recognized mostly at Disney with princesses galore, we can tend to become calloused to the demands and expectations of the Queen.

She never lived a life like Princess Jasmine.

At a time when responsibility, dignity, and integrity aren’t high values around the world, Queen Elizabeth lived those out loud, fulfilling a role that had been passed down through countless generations. She represented her country, was a focus on national unity and pride, and was the voice of encouragement for her people in good times and hard. She was intentional about showing up where her presence was needed for the sake of hope and support.

She lived a life of service, often not counting the cost to herself. Her quiet demeanor and sense of calm blessed her people.

The Queen had a special place in her heart for children. Her own and the children of her people.

Paddington Bear was a favorite, a British symbol of kindness and sweetness.

Eleanor Tomlinson painted a beautiful picture of Paddington with the Queen, two British icons that reflected a kinder, gentler time when grace and goodness were celebrated. When wonder and awe over the goodness of others were part of the landscape.

The picture with Paddington showed tenderness and warmth that many often didn’t see. Her holding the hand of the beloved bear with her corgi following beside depicts an approachability and softness that many missed.

Our leaders aren’t always seen as congenial and welcoming. They maintain a distance that is proper and formal. They are, after all, not our friends.

Jesus was different for He invited people to come to Him. His care for all people was often misunderstood.

“One day children were brought to Jesus in the hope that He would lay hands on them and pray over them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus intervened: “Let the children alone, don’t prevent them from coming to Me. God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.” Matthew 19:13-14

Jesus’ men didn’t want Him to be bothered by children, who would appear to most to be more of a bother than a blessing. But Jesus invited not just the children, but all who needed Him for hope and new life. His gentle nature and genuine love embraced all who would seek Him.

Much like Queen Elizabeth, whose position of royalty gave her a formality that kept people from knowing who she really was, Jesus was and is often seen as unapproachable or uncaring.

Those people haven’t made the attempt to know Him.

Impressions, assumptions, or what others say shouldn’t keep us from pursuing the One who chooses to pursue us.

Jesus is the King of Kings, actual royalty.

He came to serve us. Without thought of what it would cost Him.

He’s so easy to know.