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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Rev Richard Littledale

Good morning.

Today is the start of Dementia Action Week, and an opportunity to remember both those who live with its various forms, and those who care for them. The symbol of the forget-me-knot has been associated with dementia for a long time. It is worn by those who support dementia charities, and those who offer a dementia-friendly service of any kind. Its honest blue face and simple form are instantly recognisable.

Forget-me-knots are amongst the most resilient of flowers. You can cut them down, and they still come thriving back again. You can uproot them and plant them elsewhere, and they still seem to survive. They can make do with the poorest soil and brighten up the most ordinary patch of earth. They live up to their own name, making themselves hard to forget or ignore.

Interestingly, some of those involved in selecting the flower as an emblem had dementia themselves. They saw both the look and the name of the flower as positive things. Whenever we have one of these special weeks, its purpose is to ensure that people and causes which matter are not forgotten. Like the bright blue of a forget-me-knot catching your eye on a dull day, they are a reminder that there is more to see.

I am constantly reassured by the belief that God does not forget. In the farthest place or the darkest night, our voice can still be heard by him. People like Daniel in the lion’s den or Jonah in the whale would all attest to that truth. ‘Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?’ the Psalmist asks. The answer is nowhere.

Dear God, we pray today for those who feel that they are lost, even in once familiar surroundings. Bring your comfort and peace, we pray.

Amen.