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Good morning. On this day in 1936, Rudyard Kipling the poet and novelist, died. He is probably best remembered for his ‘Just So Stories’, Kim and, of course, The Jungle Book.Ìý And for his widely acclaimed poem ‘If’.
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Written in the form of paternal advice to his son, John, the poem speaks of the need to learn to make the right choices in life. Part of the poem’s popular appeal is no doubt its very positive note and the promise that seeking to do the right thing will ultimately be rewarded. Of course, ‘if’ is not only a word used when we look forward in hope, but also a word used in regret too.Ìý If only we’d made another choice. If only we’d given up earlier. If only we’d said no.Ìý Our list of backward looking ifs can sometimes seem endless.

Kipling himself was probably no stranger to regret. During WWI, his son John was reportedly turned down for military service twice because of poor eyesight. Kipling apparently intervened and arranged for his son to join the Irish Guards. Tragically he was killed in action and no doubt Kipling must have wondered many times if he had made the wrong choice.

When I find myself wondering about the choices I should make, I try to remember the words of the Psalmist: I lift up my eyes unto the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord! The Psalm goes on to remind us that God does not slumber or sleep, but cares for us all. The words emphasise that Christian faith teaches that in all of life’s choices even if we get things wrong God stands with us.
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Thank you God for your care for us. Help us today in all the choices we make. Amen