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From the Reverend Kate Bottley:Ìý
As you know, Zoe, like you, I’m a breakfast show host, every Sunday morning here on Radio 2 , so every Saturday night I enjoy a hotel stay in Sunny Salford. Rather than eat dinner alone I like to have a bit of a bed picnic. But this last Saturday when I called in for my usual crackers, the shop was packed, the cricket world cup was in town and every cricket fan needed nibbles too. Queuing at the till, was a Dad and his young daughter with faces painted in the colours of the Indian flag and wearing cricket world cup shirts.Ìý
The Dad was having trouble, each one of his fistful of international credit cards was refused. The cashier asked for additional I.D., he didn’t have it, no cash either, so remembering once when I was a frazzled mum in a queue, and a kind soul doing the same for me, I saw my opportunity to pay a favour forward and offered my card. Initially the Dad was a bit confused, but not so his daughter who worked out what was happening straight away. With a slight side eye and without missing a beat she carefully slid a packet of sweets into the basket and smiled, the Dad looked at me, cheeks flushed with embarrassment and slightly panicked, ‘Go on then’ I said, admiring her cheek.Ìý
Now, while we might paint our faces different colours and dress in different team shirts, there’s much that makes us all the same. St Paul not only had some advice on what we should wear but also how we should behave, writing ‘As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’ Actions that translate well and clothes that suit wherever we are in the world. Back in the queue as soon as the Dad worked out what was happening embarrassment turned to smiles and thank yous, and while he and I might not be shouting for the same team in the cricket, we were united briefly in the evidence that some things are the same the world over, transcending culture, things like kindness, the need for Saturday night snacks and 8 year olds trying their luck at supermarket checkouts.