I got to wondering how a person starts to organise such an unprecedented event. There’s no guidebook or manual on what to include or who to invite. It would involve months of tenuous preparation; numerous security and protection concerns. There would be family politics and scandals to consider; political and national sensitivities to take into account. All groups and commonwealth countries would have to be seen to be represented. The right proportions of ethnicity and gender participants included. Decisions on which ‘national treasure’ takes which role and gentle handling of all the lords’ and ladies’ egos must have been an enormous task of tact and diplomacy. Provision of food and stabling for both equine and human contributors would be a logistical nightmare. Seating and safety to be determined. Dignified transport and warm clothing for the monarch and the fear, after her health enforced her withdrawal from the State opening of Parliament earlier in the week, that The Queen might not even attend was clearly an organisational issue.
On the night itself, so much could have gone wrong. Just as the Queen arrived, some of the horses parading appeared to be spooked maybe by the sudden cheering and clapping and broke ranks. The very ‘live’ nature of the event brings its own risks – Lady Louise Windsor driving her late grandfather’s carriage, Dame Helen Mirren stumbling over her words in her role as the first Queen Elizabeth – anything could have happened. A producer’s nightmare!
1,300 performers and 500 horses involved – months of tentative preparation. Costumes, timings, getting everyone to where they needed to be, doing what they needed to do – all this for what? Was it worth the thousands it must have cost to put on in these times of financial worry? The Queen’s smile said it all. Suddenly, health worries, recent losses, the cares of the nation and world dissipated as her eyes lit up.
As Christians, we strive to put a smile on God’s face. When we meet Him, we long to hear ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’. If we are trusting in Jesus for our salvation, then we have nothing to fear. Jesus’ death and resurrection has covered our sins making us blameless in God’s sight. God’s smile will make it all worth it.