Surrounded by family today—that’s where I most experienced
the connectedness of life. Multiple
generations around the table, eating, talking, laughing and enjoying being
together.
I've been reading about connectedness. The way we can experience the intricacies and
the hugeness of creation can bring us closer to understanding our individual
impact on creation. We all matter. Every cell in our bodies, every transit
connection within communities, every raindrop, every memory, and every moment
matters.
One of my friends died last week. Her battle with cancer was too much for her
body and she left this world to her heavenly place. The impact she had on my life was through
Bible study. I didn't know her in any
other context but church, and even that was limited because we worshiped at
opposite services. But she was an
integral part of my maturing in faith, in finding my place, in teaching me ways
to be a good mom and a good wife. She
fought her cancer fight quietly and often distanced herself from our community
when things were roughest. We missed her
at those times and prayed for her.
We supported her in the best ways we could when her son
completed suicide. We rejoiced when her
daughter adopted and then was pregnant.
We bought pecans from her mom’s little church and listened to stories of
the difficulties that parish faced in an ever shrinking community.
We were connected to her and to the people she loved because
she loved us and we loved her. She was
an incredible gift to me and I will miss her.
I’m sure her family is gathered around a table these days,
connecting and reconnecting, remembering and making new memories. We will gather on Tuesday to say fare-thee-well,
to pray for her soul and to embrace her family with words and arms and
love.
Connectedness in this life through a mutual faith in the
Holy gives me confidence that the connectedness in the next life will be ever
bound. Rest in peace, my friend. You are with your God, and I hope you are getting
to ask all those questions we could never find the answers for at Bible study.
O God of all, be with those who weep and mourn. Fill the holes with your love. Be with them as they struggle through grief
and give them the space to heal in good time. Help us remember. In your name, dear Jesus. Amen.