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A reflection and prayer to start the day with Ruth Jennings Good morning. Last year my eldest son won a music competition. He’s an excellent brass player and he was delighted at the end of a two week competition to hear that he’d won ‘most promising young instrumentalist.’ You can imagine that I was also very proud. His first question was of course ‘what did I win?’ The reward was £200 which is a lot for a 9 year old! He immediately followed with, ‘Yea, but did I win a trophy?’ It turns out he didn’t win a trophy, he just (perhaps just is the wrong word) won the money. Despite his incredible prize, he was slightly disappointed, because he actually wanted a big trophy to show off to his friends and teacher in school. A few weeks ago he was off sick from school. He was lethargic and a bit moany, so I took his temperature. A huge smile spread across his face when he heard he did indeed have a fever. He doesn’t enjoy being unwell, but if you must feel rubbish- then you want something to show for it! If you’re a Christian it isn’t immediately obvious to everyone walking past you- it isn’t tattooed across your face and drawn into your clothing. But Jesus promises to fill us with his Holy Spirit and to give us the fruit of the spirit. He promises to set us apart and we’re called to show off for him. Perhaps our trophy to present to the world, can be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control- all in Jesus’ name. Dear Lord, We pray that our faith is clear to everyone we meet. Help us boast in your name with the help of your Spirit. Amen