The other week I got an email from a good friend that had some bad news. It looked like her mother's cancer was back after almost a year of remission. Scary stuff! So I did what I could being 20 hours away. I passed the news onto friends here in NC and all my friends that are interns across the country and requested prayers.
And then last week, right before Thanksgiving we got the results from her biopsy. It was clear! There was only a 10% chance of this happening to put it all into perspective. This is great news of course and I added to the list of the many things I have to be thankful for this season.
And this past week the idea of miracles is at the forefront of my mind. Now this may have a little something to do with my current reading on the 1980 US Men's Hockey Team's Miracle on Ice. However, I'm starting to see for myself that miracles aren't just one time games or events. I believe miracles can and do happen instaneously. But I also think they manifest themselves in processes that may take time or may not be what we expect.
I came face to face with this idea as I did my visits this week. Her battle with cancer has been ongoing and at times, there were predictions at the beginning of the fall she wouldn't last through the holidays. Now it's already past Thanksgiving and they're optimistic that she will be around through the New Year. Of course, this could all turn on a dime. But is it a miracle that all these doctors and nurses were able to sustain her through now? Most certainly! And is her making it through Thanksgiving a miracle? I would wager a yes. Though we may not have the miraculous disappearance of the cancer that we all hope and pray for, we have already seen miracles along the way.
As we continue to question why God isn't doing more on Earth and what happened to all the miracles I challenge people to look at this differently. Miracles still happen in a big way, I have no doubt about this. I am witness to this through my friend's mother. But I also think miracles are a lot more subtle. Chemo prolonging someone's life. Surgery to remove tumors. Vaccines for diseases that used to be fatal. Prayers being answered through modern medicine. Being able to be with a loved one anywhere within the country in less than a day because of cars and airplanes. I think these are all things we take for granted so easily and we are wary of calling miracles because we feel it will cheapen the idea. But I think we can never cheapen the hope that comes with even the smallest of miracles. Maybe we aren't looking hard enough. Or maybe we're looking in the wrong places. Or maybe we're just sitting on our laurels waiting for it happen while not taking advantage of all the "modern miracles." And maybe some of it is up to us. Be the miracle. Believe in miracles. Don't be afraid to look for miracles or pray for miracles. God just may surprise us in a way we weren't expecting.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
For your entertainment, here are my guilty pleasures for the week:
-Justin Timberlake - My Love is just so darn catchy!
-Serendipity, Legally Blonde, and Bring It On and other cheesy movies that I somehow always end up watching while they're on TV
-Running a 10K when I probably shouldn't because my ankle is only about 75%
-A good pint of Guiness
-Catching up on seasons 1 and 2 of Grey's Anatomy
-Reading my friends' blogs while I'm at the office
-Playing with my friend's new cat
-Brainstorming for my winter class - Theology and Pop Culture
-Justin Timberlake - My Love is just so darn catchy!
-Serendipity, Legally Blonde, and Bring It On and other cheesy movies that I somehow always end up watching while they're on TV
-Running a 10K when I probably shouldn't because my ankle is only about 75%
-A good pint of Guiness
-Catching up on seasons 1 and 2 of Grey's Anatomy
-Reading my friends' blogs while I'm at the office
-Playing with my friend's new cat
-Brainstorming for my winter class - Theology and Pop Culture
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Ordinary People
This Thanksgiving I decided to try something new and signed up for a Turkey Trot 10K about a half an hour outside of Charlotte. Running has become one of my things since I've started seminary and I was looking forward to running my first 10K and working up a good apetite before the usual massive turkey feast. I've been running "races" for about two years now and have run with some large fields including around 10,000 at the Twin Cities Marathon. Even the smaller 5K's I've run have had close to a thousand with the smallest probably being the Holla Run which I'm pretty sure still had 400 people. Therefore I was surprised to find out there were about 40 people running this 10K. And the thing is, I'm not necessarily "fast." So as I was sizing up the field I realize there was a chance I could be the last runner to cross the line. It was a bit humbling.
The whistle blew and off we went. The field thinned out pretty quickly and I got locked into my 9-10 minute pace. Surprisingly, I found that there was another woman, probably in her mid 40's that was running at the same pace as me. We realized this and paced each other for about the first two miles not really saying anything but sharing the understanding that we were both grateful to have the extra motivation that running with a partner will give. At about the 2 mile marker we started chatting about the race and how we were feeling and thanking each other for the pace partner. Naturally we started talking about running. It turns out that she's training for her first marathon in Kiowo, SC in December. We start sharing training stories and I tell her what I can about my experience and give her what encouragement I can. Then the conversation progresses to what got us into running. It turns out she was doing Team in Training and was running to benefit an 11 year old girl in her congregation who was just diagnosed with leukemia. And she herself had just overcome a battle with lymphoma cancer. We continued talking to about mile 5 where I took up a faster pace and promised her I'd meet her at the finish in a mile. I finished right around an hour which was my goal and met her at the line. I gave her a hug, and thanked her for her company and inspiration.
I have found myself humbled and inspired by people's generosity, love, perseverance, and determination this past week. And these are your everyday people. Ones that you may just pass by on the street. And yet, God is doing extraordinary things through them. I saw this in the woman I ran with who was doing all this training for someone else. I heard this in the story of the single mother who raised her girl keeping her steadfast faith and instilling it in her daughter as well. I heard this in the stories of people overcoming addictions with the help of their faith. I read this in the blogs of my friends that are poignant and real and challenging. And I see it when the prayers of ordinary people are heard and answered in a big way. God is up to something and I'm blessed to be a witness to it.
The whistle blew and off we went. The field thinned out pretty quickly and I got locked into my 9-10 minute pace. Surprisingly, I found that there was another woman, probably in her mid 40's that was running at the same pace as me. We realized this and paced each other for about the first two miles not really saying anything but sharing the understanding that we were both grateful to have the extra motivation that running with a partner will give. At about the 2 mile marker we started chatting about the race and how we were feeling and thanking each other for the pace partner. Naturally we started talking about running. It turns out that she's training for her first marathon in Kiowo, SC in December. We start sharing training stories and I tell her what I can about my experience and give her what encouragement I can. Then the conversation progresses to what got us into running. It turns out she was doing Team in Training and was running to benefit an 11 year old girl in her congregation who was just diagnosed with leukemia. And she herself had just overcome a battle with lymphoma cancer. We continued talking to about mile 5 where I took up a faster pace and promised her I'd meet her at the finish in a mile. I finished right around an hour which was my goal and met her at the line. I gave her a hug, and thanked her for her company and inspiration.
I have found myself humbled and inspired by people's generosity, love, perseverance, and determination this past week. And these are your everyday people. Ones that you may just pass by on the street. And yet, God is doing extraordinary things through them. I saw this in the woman I ran with who was doing all this training for someone else. I heard this in the story of the single mother who raised her girl keeping her steadfast faith and instilling it in her daughter as well. I heard this in the stories of people overcoming addictions with the help of their faith. I read this in the blogs of my friends that are poignant and real and challenging. And I see it when the prayers of ordinary people are heard and answered in a big way. God is up to something and I'm blessed to be a witness to it.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Doubt, Reason, and Providence
Today started out as one of those days. I'm preaching tomorrow and I had finished writing the sermon yesterday. And yet, for some reason, this one wasn't sitting as well with me as previous sermons I've done. And I had no idea why. Textbookwise I had my law, moved to Gospel, had the obligatory Lutheran "for you," and it moved to mission at the end. But for some reason I just spent most of yesterday and today plagued with doubt. And it's frustrating because this is not normally something I've dealt with. I know that ultimately it's not about what I'm saying but it's about what God is saying through me. It's all about what God's doing. And for some reason, even though I know and believe this, it wasn't sinking in.
I had my supervising pastor read it and he gave it the okay. I practiced it and felt better. And I prayed. And I knew that's all I could do for now.
So instead of spending the night indoors going over the sermon constantly I went out to play trivia at Ri-ra's per usual. Truth be told, I almost didn't go out because of the stress of the sermon, my family coming to town (not the stress of the family, I can't wait to see them, just the stress of trying to reconfigure my life in the midst of prepping to preach), and the lack of sleep lately. But I figured, why not. I've been going since early September and it's a good time. It's usually my friend Mark and I and other people from our group. We never win but we always have fun. So it was us and one of our other friends from small group, Jennifer. In the middle of the first round one of the tables near us starts asking us for answers and they are also sharing with a man at the bar. So somehow, through all this conversation we all join together so there are six of us. And we go 9/10 which is enough to get us free beer after a tie-breaker two rounds later. So we finally won!!!
But the part that surprised me the most is the conversations that started. There's always at least one religion question which I get to nail because of the future pastor thing. So, when the religion question came up I got identified as the pastor. And that's where it all shifted. When people find this out it can often go in totally opposite directions. Either they shut down or they start asking questions that normally wouldn't be brought up in normal conversation. And the latter is what happened. The conversation started with a theology question and quickly turned into a discussion. And somehow we moved from theology and sin to addiction. And then it progressed to trials and faith. And this is all in the midst of trying to play trivia.
And the thing is, for once, I could actualy trace it all back and connect it and put all the pieces together. I could see exactly how God had led us to certain points. I could see that we would have probably not ended up where we did if the topic of my profession had not come up. And it opened the door for two of the people we met, who had also just met, to find out they shared a similar story and I think were really able to connect. And I got to hear the details of the inspiring story of one of the other new people.
I started out this night wondering where God was in the midst of me trying to write this sermon and doubting that he was working and speaking through me. And at the end of the night I have been shown how he is able to put us in the exact place we need to be. I really hate the cliche that everything happens for a reason. But tonight, for once, I saw this very clearly in my life. I saw God using me, using my friends, and using these complete strangers, to share the Gospel with each other, to inspire one another, and to be a friend and a confidant. I left the pub having no doubt that God is working in my life and the lives of complete strangers to give hope and faith in a time when we need it the most.
I had my supervising pastor read it and he gave it the okay. I practiced it and felt better. And I prayed. And I knew that's all I could do for now.
So instead of spending the night indoors going over the sermon constantly I went out to play trivia at Ri-ra's per usual. Truth be told, I almost didn't go out because of the stress of the sermon, my family coming to town (not the stress of the family, I can't wait to see them, just the stress of trying to reconfigure my life in the midst of prepping to preach), and the lack of sleep lately. But I figured, why not. I've been going since early September and it's a good time. It's usually my friend Mark and I and other people from our group. We never win but we always have fun. So it was us and one of our other friends from small group, Jennifer. In the middle of the first round one of the tables near us starts asking us for answers and they are also sharing with a man at the bar. So somehow, through all this conversation we all join together so there are six of us. And we go 9/10 which is enough to get us free beer after a tie-breaker two rounds later. So we finally won!!!
But the part that surprised me the most is the conversations that started. There's always at least one religion question which I get to nail because of the future pastor thing. So, when the religion question came up I got identified as the pastor. And that's where it all shifted. When people find this out it can often go in totally opposite directions. Either they shut down or they start asking questions that normally wouldn't be brought up in normal conversation. And the latter is what happened. The conversation started with a theology question and quickly turned into a discussion. And somehow we moved from theology and sin to addiction. And then it progressed to trials and faith. And this is all in the midst of trying to play trivia.
And the thing is, for once, I could actualy trace it all back and connect it and put all the pieces together. I could see exactly how God had led us to certain points. I could see that we would have probably not ended up where we did if the topic of my profession had not come up. And it opened the door for two of the people we met, who had also just met, to find out they shared a similar story and I think were really able to connect. And I got to hear the details of the inspiring story of one of the other new people.
I started out this night wondering where God was in the midst of me trying to write this sermon and doubting that he was working and speaking through me. And at the end of the night I have been shown how he is able to put us in the exact place we need to be. I really hate the cliche that everything happens for a reason. But tonight, for once, I saw this very clearly in my life. I saw God using me, using my friends, and using these complete strangers, to share the Gospel with each other, to inspire one another, and to be a friend and a confidant. I left the pub having no doubt that God is working in my life and the lives of complete strangers to give hope and faith in a time when we need it the most.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Time?
I''ve spent part of this past week trying to figure out where the time has gone. I've been here three months. My three month review is being turned in this week. I've already started planning on when I'm doing my six month review with my committee. My family is coming on Wednesday. I'm preaching on Wednesday. A random email conversation I started a month ago has turned into a great, unexpected friendship including being adopted into a new group of friends. I'm already planning on when I need to come home in January/February to get my license renewed. So needless to say, I'm not quite sure how it all happened.
And I guess I'm not surprised. I knew this year was going to fly. But it makes me sad. I don't know this for sure but I pretty sure that I'm not going to be ready to leave in 9 months. I know I will need to go back and take the classes, put in the work, do my CPE, and everything else needed to prepare me for my first call. But I feel like a year is so short, especially at a place like this where I've made some great friends and built up a good relationship with this church. I feel like there is so much more this place to can still teach me and a year is just not going to be enough. But I guess it has to be.
I think what's made this hard is not only the fact that time has flown by but that this has been one of those weeks where I knew that this is exactly what I want and need to be doing with my life. I've felt the Holy Spirit work in my life in ways I never expected. I led a mini-healing service this past week for one of my classes. I had been a part of one I had preached at right at the very beginning here but I'll be the first to say I have no idea what I was doing. But somehow, it worked. I spoke and the words came from the Spirit, there was no other way of explaining it. And I saw prayers being answered in a very concrete way as one of the first people I visited in the hospital on what was originally a cold call (visiting someone I didn't know) being discharged. And ministry is filled with ups and downs just like any other job. So maybe the next part will be a down swing (I really hope and pray it isn't because I preach next week, gulp!) but somehow the ups always make the down part worth it.
And you know, I've been thinking of that Thessalonians verse lately, "Be joyful always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." So here's hoping and praying that in my next nine months here I have more weeks like these and also those that are the complete opposite. Each gives me a chance to grow. And I also hope that in the end I can be more thankful for what I have experienced than sad about the fact I have to leave.
And I guess I'm not surprised. I knew this year was going to fly. But it makes me sad. I don't know this for sure but I pretty sure that I'm not going to be ready to leave in 9 months. I know I will need to go back and take the classes, put in the work, do my CPE, and everything else needed to prepare me for my first call. But I feel like a year is so short, especially at a place like this where I've made some great friends and built up a good relationship with this church. I feel like there is so much more this place to can still teach me and a year is just not going to be enough. But I guess it has to be.
I think what's made this hard is not only the fact that time has flown by but that this has been one of those weeks where I knew that this is exactly what I want and need to be doing with my life. I've felt the Holy Spirit work in my life in ways I never expected. I led a mini-healing service this past week for one of my classes. I had been a part of one I had preached at right at the very beginning here but I'll be the first to say I have no idea what I was doing. But somehow, it worked. I spoke and the words came from the Spirit, there was no other way of explaining it. And I saw prayers being answered in a very concrete way as one of the first people I visited in the hospital on what was originally a cold call (visiting someone I didn't know) being discharged. And ministry is filled with ups and downs just like any other job. So maybe the next part will be a down swing (I really hope and pray it isn't because I preach next week, gulp!) but somehow the ups always make the down part worth it.
And you know, I've been thinking of that Thessalonians verse lately, "Be joyful always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." So here's hoping and praying that in my next nine months here I have more weeks like these and also those that are the complete opposite. Each gives me a chance to grow. And I also hope that in the end I can be more thankful for what I have experienced than sad about the fact I have to leave.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
I promise that I actually do "real" work at church. Anyway, two quick things that I thought were fun.
First, check out this link http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/2006-10-25-u2-churches_x.htm The Episcopal church is doing a church service using U2 music. My reaction? I think it's awesome of course!!! I remember learning at camp in the summer of 2002 that The Joshua Tree was voted the best Christian CD of all time. And, we always used a U2 song as a part of an experiential worship service that was pretty powerful. So I say, let's do it!
Second, I have business cards! I think this is awesome. Of course, I have a ton and have no idea how I'm going to use them all before I'm finished here. I feel like an adult! Sweet! :) Does that mean I have to start acting like one?
First, check out this link http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/2006-10-25-u2-churches_x.htm The Episcopal church is doing a church service using U2 music. My reaction? I think it's awesome of course!!! I remember learning at camp in the summer of 2002 that The Joshua Tree was voted the best Christian CD of all time. And, we always used a U2 song as a part of an experiential worship service that was pretty powerful. So I say, let's do it!
Second, I have business cards! I think this is awesome. Of course, I have a ton and have no idea how I'm going to use them all before I'm finished here. I feel like an adult! Sweet! :) Does that mean I have to start acting like one?
MNF
My email conversation yesterday around 4:30 in the afternoon when I'm getting ready to leave work...
Mark - What are you doing tonight?
Tasha - Making some soup and salad for dinner. Watching Heroes and Studio 60 of course. I'd drive to your place but the traffic is going to be crazy gettting there because of the game.
Mark - Would you want to go to the game?
Tasha - What?!?! Do you have tickets?!?! I would love to go!
Mark - Yes I do!
And thus is how I got tickets to the Monday Night Football game, Carolina Panthers vs. the Tampa Bay Bucaneers because, believe it or not, the Panthers play in Charlotte.
It was a great experience! I battled the traffic heading to Uptown Charlotte (really, it should be downtown but for some reason they call it uptown), met my friend Mark for dinner and a beer, and then headed to the stadium to experience our first Panthers game. And it was a great time. We had good seats. We were on the 35 yard line and row 1 in the upper section. And the slant is pretty steep so it was a great view (pictures will be forthcoming). The fans around us were great and a bit drunk. And I must say, the southern accents add a little something especially when they're yelling random sports themed exclamations at the teams.
And the game itself was a roller coaster. The first half was simply ugly. Somehow it was only 0-7 at the half. And right before the half there were three interceptions. We got one, then they got one, and then we got it back and thankfully decided to just take a knee. They finally picked up the second half and starting playing well and it was great to experience that. We were all high fiving one another and cheering and having a blast. The Steve Smith 35 yard touchdown was just pretty. The end result, Panthers 24 Bucs 10 and I was one happy camper. Good times!
Mark - What are you doing tonight?
Tasha - Making some soup and salad for dinner. Watching Heroes and Studio 60 of course. I'd drive to your place but the traffic is going to be crazy gettting there because of the game.
Mark - Would you want to go to the game?
Tasha - What?!?! Do you have tickets?!?! I would love to go!
Mark - Yes I do!
And thus is how I got tickets to the Monday Night Football game, Carolina Panthers vs. the Tampa Bay Bucaneers because, believe it or not, the Panthers play in Charlotte.
It was a great experience! I battled the traffic heading to Uptown Charlotte (really, it should be downtown but for some reason they call it uptown), met my friend Mark for dinner and a beer, and then headed to the stadium to experience our first Panthers game. And it was a great time. We had good seats. We were on the 35 yard line and row 1 in the upper section. And the slant is pretty steep so it was a great view (pictures will be forthcoming). The fans around us were great and a bit drunk. And I must say, the southern accents add a little something especially when they're yelling random sports themed exclamations at the teams.
And the game itself was a roller coaster. The first half was simply ugly. Somehow it was only 0-7 at the half. And right before the half there were three interceptions. We got one, then they got one, and then we got it back and thankfully decided to just take a knee. They finally picked up the second half and starting playing well and it was great to experience that. We were all high fiving one another and cheering and having a blast. The Steve Smith 35 yard touchdown was just pretty. The end result, Panthers 24 Bucs 10 and I was one happy camper. Good times!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Tonight I decided to throw in a movie instead of getting invested in the Bears Giants game because being on the East Coast, well, it just means I end up staying up much later than I would like watching some tv shows. So, I figured When Harry Met Sally was a good choice because it was fairly light, I've seen it enough times to not have to work too hard, and I could stop it early if need be. Plus, a couple of friends were impersonating Billy Crystal about a month ago (how time flies!) and I remembered thinking then, I really should watch this.
Anyway, one of the conversations in the movie is Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan a la Harry and Sally discussing whether men and women can be "friends." And I realized that my friends at work and I had basically had the exact same conversation earlier this year and it went the exact same path as the movie. According to the guys involved they couldn't be friends when there was attraction involved. And you know, it's funny that I remember this. I think I do because I was just so surprised. Especially as someone who has gotten used to playing the role of token female. So that's my random thought of the night. Feel free to mull over this one... :)
Anyway, one of the conversations in the movie is Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan a la Harry and Sally discussing whether men and women can be "friends." And I realized that my friends at work and I had basically had the exact same conversation earlier this year and it went the exact same path as the movie. According to the guys involved they couldn't be friends when there was attraction involved. And you know, it's funny that I remember this. I think I do because I was just so surprised. Especially as someone who has gotten used to playing the role of token female. So that's my random thought of the night. Feel free to mull over this one... :)
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Derek Webb
"I’ll say the words that rattle your nerves
Words like sin and faith alone"
Last night I had the joy of meeting a friend for dinner, hearing a little bit of his story, and then meeting up with another friend to see Derek Webb, former member of Caedmon's Call in concert. It was a small venue, very intimate, and very low key. All he needed on stage was a mic, a beautiful 12-string guitar that I would love to own, and himself.
The thing I love about Derek Webb is he's not afraid to challenge people with his lyrics. This isn't your fluffy, feel good, Christian music. It's not something you put in when you want something light and easy. When listening to his music you can't help but examine your life and your beliefs. He discusses everything from our need of rules to the challenge of loving our neighbors and enemies and is very honest in saying that yeah, we are all sinners but we're also saints. So, needless to say, I've become a big fan of both the music and the message behind the music. In the midst of all of this mindless stuff on the radio, it's nice to actually be challenged for once, to hear something with some real meaning and passion behind it, and to be pushed outside of my comfort zone.
If you want to check out his stuff, go to www.freederekwebb.com
Words like sin and faith alone"
Last night I had the joy of meeting a friend for dinner, hearing a little bit of his story, and then meeting up with another friend to see Derek Webb, former member of Caedmon's Call in concert. It was a small venue, very intimate, and very low key. All he needed on stage was a mic, a beautiful 12-string guitar that I would love to own, and himself.
The thing I love about Derek Webb is he's not afraid to challenge people with his lyrics. This isn't your fluffy, feel good, Christian music. It's not something you put in when you want something light and easy. When listening to his music you can't help but examine your life and your beliefs. He discusses everything from our need of rules to the challenge of loving our neighbors and enemies and is very honest in saying that yeah, we are all sinners but we're also saints. So, needless to say, I've become a big fan of both the music and the message behind the music. In the midst of all of this mindless stuff on the radio, it's nice to actually be challenged for once, to hear something with some real meaning and passion behind it, and to be pushed outside of my comfort zone.
If you want to check out his stuff, go to www.freederekwebb.com
Saturday, November 04, 2006
The Phone
This is the pastoral emergency phone or as my supervisor calls it, "the bat phone." Basically, if there is some sort of emergency after hours or on the weekend, I get to field the call. Let me preface this by saying that I haven't had my CPE yet because I'm a slacker. Well, it's half that and also half I had other things that I needed to get done in the summers. But, either way, it's my first time being in an on-call situation.
And it's interesting. It's difficult because you don't want to let the phone rule your life. Point in case: I have a social life and I have a few friends that are celebrating birthdays this week so I'm going out. However, I have to have the phone with me and it's actually stressful. I think for CPE it would be easier because you more or less expect a call. With this phone, it's really random. The one actual phone call I got was a wrong number. Another point in case: tomorrow I'm planning on taking a good long run. Now, I never run with a phone. I always have one in my car but I never take it on the actual run. I don't want to extra weight. In this case, I think I'm going to have to run with it. Yeah, it's not the most fun scenario.
But at the same time, it's all a question of accessibility. I want to be accessible to my congregation. And I want to be there if a need arises and be able to fulfill my role as a pastor. So I'm always torn when I have the phone. It's a stark reminder that my life isn't so private any more and that often times the needs of others will be greater than my own needs. Is that going to stop me from going on my run or going out? No, it just makes it a little bit different. So I go on with my life, check the phone constantly, look a bit like a dork (those belt attachments aren't made for women), and pray that if the need arises, that God will give the grace I need in the situation.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
All Saints
Alright, I'm not trying to over-do it with religious holidays. But it struck me yesterday, November first, the day known as All Saints Day, that it had been four years ago that a good friend of mine passed away. What really hit me was that she had actually died on Halloween, the day before, and I didn't even remember on that day. And that realization brought up all sorts of questions.
What does it mean that I didn't think about it on the day? Sure, the wounds have healed well enough and I've found the peace that only comes through God. Time has passed, life has continued being a little different than it was before. And here I am at this point, where a day that four years ago rocked my world is easily passed over without even a thought. And I know the grief has passed and the mourning is for the most part done. But yet, I still wonder what it is that I'm supposed to do with days like this. I say a little prayer for all those affected by both her life and death. And I thank God for the "cloud of witnesses" that have gone before me and cheer me on.
And maybe that's why it's good that we have a day like "All Saints Day." It reminds us of the witness and all the saints that went before us. It gives us a day to remember, to rejoice, shed a tear, and whatever else we need to do in order to remember those whom we loved that are no longer with us. And then we can feel like we don't forget the ministry of those who came before us and can feel connected to them still.
What does it mean that I didn't think about it on the day? Sure, the wounds have healed well enough and I've found the peace that only comes through God. Time has passed, life has continued being a little different than it was before. And here I am at this point, where a day that four years ago rocked my world is easily passed over without even a thought. And I know the grief has passed and the mourning is for the most part done. But yet, I still wonder what it is that I'm supposed to do with days like this. I say a little prayer for all those affected by both her life and death. And I thank God for the "cloud of witnesses" that have gone before me and cheer me on.
And maybe that's why it's good that we have a day like "All Saints Day." It reminds us of the witness and all the saints that went before us. It gives us a day to remember, to rejoice, shed a tear, and whatever else we need to do in order to remember those whom we loved that are no longer with us. And then we can feel like we don't forget the ministry of those who came before us and can feel connected to them still.
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