Message from the Padre – #3
48th Stained Glass

Among my favourite photos in the Regiment’s vast archives are those of war time weddings. Each photo tells an amazing story of two people who chose to take a leap of faith and tie the knot in the face of a very uncertain future in dangerous and difficult times.

Perhaps the uncertainty of the times had a roll to play in their decision to seize the day and not to put off to tomorrow what could be done today. At any rate, when I look at the photos I am moved by the love in their eyes and the courage that must have been in their hearts.

Last weekend I had the privilege of officiating at the wedding of one of our Highlanders. As we went over the vows at the rehearsal one of the traditional lines jumped out at me in a new way. “Forsaking all others will you be faithful to this person so long as you both shall live?”

Faithful Forever. Dileas gu Brath.

A marriage may be inspired by love but it is built on fidelity – faithfulness.

Often the word faithful has a religious connotation and to say that one has faith is to say that one believes in a proposition such as “I believe that God exists.” But having faith in or believing in someone is really more about trust and reliability. It is about knowing that they will be there when you need them.

That kind of trust is nurtured and developed over time through repeated experiences until it becomes strong and unshakeable. It has been the foundation of our regiment for 130 years.

In this Thanksgiving season I am grateful for having had the opportunity to be a part of this regimental family and to have built good friendships with so many outstanding people. I am grateful for the faithfulness with which each of you serve our Queen and country. I am grateful for all who have gone before us, setting the example for us to follow.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Dileas gu Brath.

Maj the Rev’d Canon Don McLean Aitchison UE

Chaplain, Trinity College School

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