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Since childhood I’ve suffered from sea sickness. One look at anything maritime on the television and I begin to feel queasy. It’s a comfort to me to know that naval hero Lord Nelson also suffered in the same way. In 1804 he wrote a letter to the Earl of Camden explaining why his sixteen year old nephew had left the Navy just a few months after joining. He admitted, 'I am ill every time it blows hard and nothing but my enthusiastic love for the profession keeps me one hour at sea.'

People often look at the jobs of others and wonder how they can do them. Medical professionals, care workers, fire fighters, people who do things that others shrink from excite admiration but also a certain disbelief – how can they keep going at something when the very thought of it makes us flinch? Often it isn’t a question of heroism but of love. They may love the work itself and be willing to put up with the hardship as a result. Or they may hate the job, but be willing to endure it for the love of the family they’re supporting on the strength of it.

So much of the life we live is supported by people who do difficult or distasteful work on our behalf. The food we eat, the public services we enjoy are all produced and maintained by human beings like ourselves, many of whom suffer and struggle to deliver what we take for granted. We think specially of all those who’ve been working tirelessly for the good of communities affected by flooding.

Loving God, we thank you for all those whose work makes our standard of living possible. Bless each of their days with peace, contentment and a sense of achievement, Amen.