Letter from Jon, September 2017 

 
Dear Friends
 
Last Saturday Fiona and I had the privilege of being amongst the 50,000 people chosen to walk across the new Queensferry Crossing, before it fully opened to traffic this week.  There was such a great atmosphere from the moment we arrived to catch the bus to the bridge, and as we queued for the bus there was a looping recorded message which spoke of “your moment in history – a once in a lifetime opportunity”.  As we walked across the bridge we wanted to take everything in, to see every detail, to photograph and video and to make the most of this unique day, knowing that we would probably never again be able to walk on this beautiful bridge. 
 
As I thought about the recorded message, however, it struck me that every moment in our lives becomes a “moment in history”; every moment is a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.  I am aware how easy it is for life to pass us by and to miss God-given opportunities to make the most of each moment.  As we begin our journey into Luke’s Gospel this year I am aware of the many times Luke records the word “today”, emphasising that the time for God’s Kingdom to come is “now”.  Today is our time to use our gifts to fulfil our unique calling in God.  Perhaps by reaching out to others with an act of kindness or speaking a word that might change the course of someone’s day, or indeed their life and their destiny
 
During our “Experience” we were so impressed with the “Event Ambassadors” (as they were called) positioned along the route to smile and interact and help out.  They really helped to make the day, and it reminded us that we are called to be “Christ’s ambassadors” (2 Cor 5:20); to represent Christ to those around us in every part of life, leading and guiding people to faith in Christ.  We read in Acts 13:36 that King David “served God’s purpose in his own generation”.  This is now our generation, our moment in history, and there is no higher calling than to serve God.  I pray that each of us would be blessed, would know that we are blessed and, in turn, would be a blessing to those around us as we live each moment as a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.
 
Love and Blessings
 
Jon