I’m sitting outside in the early morning sunshine with the gentle sound of sheep bleating, the trickling of a stream and the expanse of hills and meadows all around. The beauty and majesty of God’s glorious creation is everywhere as a new day dawns.

I am reflecting on an action-packed week spent in Holland at Skiffieworld 2022 where our coastal rowing clubs ventured to be a part of something greater. Coastal rowing at a whole new level compared to what Stranraer and Wigtown are used to but oh such fun.

My thoughts are not drifting towards the racing of skiffs, rather I find myself marvelling at the amazing capacity we have as people to truly lift each other to new heights.

Almost 20 of us set off from Stranraer and The Isle in SW Scotland, full of excitement and expectation for the week ahead. Naturally, as well-trained athletes in our prime of life, we were ready and eager to compete at the highest level known to Coastal rowing! Yet that is not what has lingered in my mind.

We were a motly crew of differing ages, sizes, fitness levels and experience in competing, knowing each other to varying degrees, yet, somehow, as a group with one purpose, we became a united force to be reckoned with.

Regardless of who was racing or how well you knew them, everyone headed off in convoy to cheer the team on as they boarded the skiff. Then the mad dash to the grandstand so we could cheer more loudly than anyone else as our yellow topped crew rowed past towards the starting line with excellent technique and timing.

During the agony of the 12-14 minutes of racing we cheered, we screamed, we jumped up and down and as they approached the finish line we reached our crescendo of support, making sure they heard us above everyone else in those final moments of pain. Position didn’t matter, taking part was what we celebrated.

Then there was another sprint from the Grandstand back to where the team disembarked so we could congratulate them, hug them and make sure there was photographic evidence.

This whole scenario was repeated by just about everyone every time one of our teams rowed, no jealousy, no comparison, no criticism, instead real joy and excitement to see each person row well and participate regardless of results and outcomes. Of course on the occasions, we finished well with good results the frenzy of excitement was even greater!

Then we had ‘Mamma Bear’ who wasn’t even rowing but helped us carb load before racing and then had the table laden with goodies for a post-race celebration. Always a welcome, a smile and a cuppa for anyone who arrived on her doorstep. She was our greatest cheerleader never missing an opportunity to champion each of us.

It reminded me of the stark contrast of the world, self-assertion, tearing one another down and trampling others on their way to the top.

It made me think of how we should be like this as Christians. The church is a group of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences, with different abilities and outlooks. Yet we are united in purpose, to live a life that reflects the love of God.

To build up, not tear down.

To celebrate another person’s success even when you fail.

To serve without being noticed

To enable others to be more than they think they can be.

To love everyone, always regardless of their background or what they may have done, to love without judgement, to champion them above yourself. To see others as Jesus does, with a heart full of love and compassion.

Is that what I see in church?

Of course, it has to start with me, I need to be the very person I am describing.

Stranraer and Wigtown rowing clubs certainly knew how to celebrate others and I am privileged to have been part of this group of wonderful people.