Day 9 - Follow the Rules

We are in the middle of the Cheltenham Festival, a horse racing event over the jumps, held annually in March. The 13th is particularly significant, because that was the date of the Gold Cup (the most prestigious race) in March 2020. This was quickly followed by the first Covid lockdown. So, the Festival always reminds me of Covid. And whilst there is much merrymaking - rejoicing, drinking and eating - during this festival there are rules and social norms to observe. These include share in your winnings, celebrate with others, and buy a round of drinks. Yes, follow the rules and you will have a wonderful time.

But there is a darker side which rarely gets mentioned. You see, seventy-six horses have died at the course since 2000, either during a race, or shortly afterwards. The highest figure was 2006, when 11 horses had a fatal accident or had to be destroyed. I am not saying we should stop horse racing, but we need to remember that some horses give their all during the festival.

I became a Christian at school and joined the local church. After graduation, with friends spread out across the country, I found myself decades younger than my peers. Therefore, I became proficient at moving tables, passing round the teas and coffees, washing up and other useful skills. There were youngsters from the local teacher training college and radio officer college, but they were, by virtue of their courses, transitory, and I always felt a slight outsider because I did not share either of their common bonds.

The church related to other churches in the local area, and meetings for shared fellowship, including meals, were held quarterly. Despite my useful church skills, I had to follow the rules. I offered to bake a cake, but was politely told no. I offered to carry the large tea pots, but again that was a no. In the end I thought, blow it, I am helping. So I grabbed a tea pot and went to leave the kitchen. After a couple of paces, two senior and very stern ladies accosted me. A voice rumbled, “We haven’t tasted that pot.” Yes, there were teas tasters in the kitchen!

Obviously, I asked what skills they had. They could have worked in a hotel or managed their own tea shop. I now received an even sterner response for my temerity to question their authority. “We have done this for many years, as our mothers did before us,” came the thunderous response.

Titus 3:1 (ESV) came to mind. ‘Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.’

Prayer

Father, we thank you for the fellowship we share during our current feasts and festivals. We thank you for the fellowship, and mutual support given by fellow believers. Finally, we thank you for support, which helps us to live without fear. We just ask for your help and guidance to trust you more. Amen

Michael Rolton