“Teach us to number our days,
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12 King James Version)
This month, we have celebrated the lives of several in our congregation who have died: Joyce Dixon, Kern Thornton, Ramona Yanike, Ron Dudley, and Bobbie Parsons. I am aware that there are also families who are grieving the loss of other loved ones this month. A dear friend my age died earlier this month after a long illness, and it was in January fifteen years ago that my older brother died. There is still grief and sorrow that remain even after years and even decades.
I find myself finding comfort in the prayers and words that are found in the memorial service and funeral service. I appreciate the words that Jesus offered his disciples when he spoke of his own death, particularly when he promised to give them peace.
I am glad for the promise that Paul gives when he says, almost breathlessly,
“I am convinced that neither death nor life….nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
And I listen carefully when the pastor prays,
“God of us all, your love never ends. When all else fails, you still are God. We pray to you for one another in our need and for all, anywhere, who mourn with us this day.”
There is something profoundly moving about coming together in a time of sorrow. We don’t need to really say anything in such moments. What is there that we could possibly say? But our presence shows that we care, and it reminds us (and others) that we are not alone. And that makes quite a difference.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Steve