Duty. Not a word used much these days. But one you will have heard countless times in the last 36 hours since the death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced. She was a woman of it. Working and performing her duties until the end, having only just invited the newest Prime Minister to form her government.
You’re so right Emma. Where do we see duty played out these days? In my life I see people who exit stage left at the merest hint of having to dig in and carry out duty. Particularly with family members and health. It’s horrible, yet tells a story of our current value system and constant messaging that as individuals the pursuit of our own goals and happiness comes above all else. Yet there are times when sacrifice is clearly required. I hope this discussion around Queen Elizabeth II leads to a sense that there will be times when we are all called by duty to sacrifice something for the good of others or the greater good. Can’t think of anything that would build more character in a person.
Wholehearted agreement! I love the dry sense of humour this great person was capable of. I read somewhere, ages ago, that when someone said to her “You look just like the queen” she replied “That’s reassuring.” However, I admire her most for her sense of duty and the fact that she lived her life with a clear vision of what she wanted to do. That clarity of understanding!
You’re so right Emma. Where do we see duty played out these days? In my life I see people who exit stage left at the merest hint of having to dig in and carry out duty. Particularly with family members and health. It’s horrible, yet tells a story of our current value system and constant messaging that as individuals the pursuit of our own goals and happiness comes above all else. Yet there are times when sacrifice is clearly required. I hope this discussion around Queen Elizabeth II leads to a sense that there will be times when we are all called by duty to sacrifice something for the good of others or the greater good. Can’t think of anything that would build more character in a person.
Wholehearted agreement! I love the dry sense of humour this great person was capable of. I read somewhere, ages ago, that when someone said to her “You look just like the queen” she replied “That’s reassuring.” However, I admire her most for her sense of duty and the fact that she lived her life with a clear vision of what she wanted to do. That clarity of understanding!
Lovely words Emma
Thanks so much Emma. So true.