Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Meeting date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Official Report 1290KB pdf

Time for Reflection

Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection, and our time for reflection leader today is the Rev Margaret McArthur, the minister of Cardross parish church.

Good afternoon.

“But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: One day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like one day.”

Those words of Scripture certainly put time into perspective. This time for reflection is but a brief moment for all of you, and I hope that it provides that most precious of things: time—time to set aside the business of politics to find some peace and perspective.

Recently, debates have been scrutinised by commentators who have spoken in terms of sides, opponents, winners and losers and who have said how fierce or feeble the debate might have been. However, you are, first and foremost, human beings. You have lives outwith politics, families to care for, interests to pursue and the company of friends to enjoy.

Take time to reflect on the good things that you have achieved. Take time to reflect that, when labouring a point too much, you might lose a friend as a result. Take time to reflect that there is much that can be achieved together in the common fight against want and the social problems that are faced by those in our communities, who look to you for help to better their lives. That is a heavy responsibility, and having enemies just adds to the burden.

Much more can be achieved when personal feelings and ambitions give way to the common weal and when we treat others with respect—when we talk not about “this side” and “that side” or “them and us” but about just “us”.

My parish of Cardross, which has connections to Robert the Bruce, is, I am sure, well known, but let me share the story of a humbler resident from the past. Her story is one that spans time, and it highlights the divide that still exists between rich and poor. A girl named Jean Watson took meat from the laird’s store to feed her family. Fearing retribution, she fled. Facing a burn in stormy spate, she swore that, if she were ever able to, she would have a bridge built there. Life turned out well, and she was, indeed, able to provide the bridge, which still to this day bears the inscription, “Not we, but God.”

Time rolls on. People come and go. Empires rise and fall,

“But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: One day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like one day.”

In all the deliberations, the debates and the demands of politics, take time to reflect that what is done in this Parliament or in any other will be but a moment in millennia, so it must count.

Bless you today and every day.