I HAVE been reflecting on the many stories about The Queen we have heard over the last few days.

Many of those stories point to her humour and sense of fun, as well her down-to-earth-ness in personal relationships, when she was relaxing and in the more intimate moments she shared with people. These all remind me of the woman, the girl, Elizabeth, who was just an ordinary fun loving and caring person, friend, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

But we have also been hearing about her role as queen. That role required a steely determination and strength, a deep sense of duty and calling, and the ability to sometimes put aside the fun and humour for the sake of the solemnity and dignity that many of her appointments required.

In both her private and her professional life, I am sure she sometimes got things wrong – in fact I know she did. She was not perfect nor a paragon of virtue, but we forgave her those things - the outpouring of love we are feeling across the nation and the world shows that. Why is that? Why did even some of most ardently republican of people warm to her?

Surely it was because it was obvious that she cared for the people she met, whether family or friend, the person on the street, or the prime minister, and she did so because she knew she was loved and cared for. She gave her time and gifts unrelentingly not just out of duty but because she had experienced a love that would similarly spend all it had for her and for others. I talk, of course, of the love of God as seen in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and in his continuing reaching to those who need his love.

Her faith in Christ is well known. Here are some words you may remember from her Christmas Message, 2014 “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none.”

As I read that and reflected on her seemingly unwavering service, I thought to myself , this is not just about following an example of a good man – here is a woman whose life has been touched by God.

She did not seek out the role of queen, it found her - in fact it was thrust upon her – but she made the most of the opportunity that had been given, and I hope you would agree that she brought good to the role, determining to love and serve others as she had been loved and served by Christ.

Now her job is finished. I can imagine Jesus welcoming her with the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.