Sharing some thoughts

Today we celebrate St David’s Day, the Patron Saint of Wales, and also the patronal festival here. A double celebration, which surely gives us permission for at least one joke. So, I’ll begin with the wellknown story of the referee who arrived in heaven. He was met by the man in charge, who said, “Welcome. Before you enter Heaven, is there anything you’d like to confess?” The referee shuffled awkwardly. “Well… yes. In an England–Wales international, I gave Wales a penalty that won them the match. I saw the replay afterwards and… it wasn’t a penalty. It’s been on my conscience ever since.” “You don’t need to worry, my son,” said the gatekeeper. “You made the correct decision.” “Oh, thank you, St Peter,” said the referee, relieved. “Oh,” said the gatekeeper, “it’s St Peter’s day off. I’m St David.” Moving swiftly on… It feels particularly appropriate that this year St David’s Day falls in Lent, because David’s life was famously simple, disciplined, and—if we’re honest—probably rather mor...