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Good morning. An awful lot of people here and around the world have surnames that actually describe what their forebears did for a living.  Smith, Baker, Butcher – I’ve even met an Ironmonger.  And that reflects a time when most people could be born into, live and die in a particular trade.  And that pretty much defined them.

When, 65 years ago today, Her Majesty the Queen was crowned, she took on a position, unlike any other. Whether we consider it a job, a role or even a vocation, there is no doubt it has been a commitment for life.

Which is why, at 92, Queen Elizabeth is still committed to performing a full range of official duties.  But what I find even more impressive is that despite that long service, she really hasn’t been defined by the role – the role has been very much defined by her.

And that’s because she has worked to make it much more about how she is than about what she does.  The monarchy as an institution has its critics but not many who will fault the dignity, integrity, the sense of duty and the genuine interest in people that the Queen has shown throughout her reign.

I think we can all learn something valuable from that.  One of the most important principles of the Christian faith is that who or what we are really doesn’t matter – but how we are does.  Central to the Christian message is the principle that each of us should see ourselves as the servants of those around us: committed to caring about and showing real love for them.  And I think that, whether we profess a religious faith or not, being the best person we can should be a life time’s commitment for every one of us.

Lord, we pray that, inspired by the Queen’s example we can use every opportunity we get to be people who are truly interested in and concerned for those around us.  Amen