Thought for the Week from the Rev David Jones (we 4th December 2011)

The death of Gary Speed has sent shock waves not only through the world of football but the nation as a whole.

Gary’s complete professionalism along with his management of the Welsh team was key to his life. Described by all his team mates and from First Minister to the fans on the terraces as an exceptional player, he was respected and held in the greatest regard by all who knew him and especially those who had followed his football career from his early days in Leeds.

The flood of tributes and affection rightly continue for an outstanding sportsman and a good , kind and generous man.

When the sad news came through the same bulletin reported the death of a young solider killed action in Afghanistan, a young life lost and another family in grief. When tragedies like this happen the initial shock we feel is followed by a great sense of sorrow and our immediate thoughts are always with the families of those who have died.

Then we need to express our sorrow and we just want to embrace those who mourn with our love and sympathies. If that’s how we feel how much more is the heart of God moved. How good to know that when we pray for those who are in sudden grief and sorrow that our prayers are joined with God’s love and compassion who cradles in his loving arms those who are in such devastating loss and for whom we pray.

May God grant peace to Gary’s grieving family, to the loved ones of that young solder and to all who are in the deep valley of sorrow this Christmas time.

Rev. David Jones

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