Memorial 8.26.17
Grace to you and peace from God, our creator and sustainer. And greetings from our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
August 21, 2017 was a long-anticipated day of “The Great American Eclipse.” People living in and around KC opened their homes and welcomed others who came from far and near to experience “totality.” I didn’t even know that word before a few months earlier. When it happened, for those who were fortunate to have the clouds part, it was a moment of awe. Some cheered, some cried and had chills. For many, including myself, it was a deeply spiritual experience of creation and the wonders of The Creator. Donna too stepped outside to view this wonder of creation.
The “awes” and “wows” were soon overshadowed by news of Donna being rushed to the hospital and completion of her earthly life a couple of hours after the eclipse. From exhilaration to shock, to grief in a very short moment.
We were all told to not look at the sun without special eclipse glasses. It reminded me of the story of Moses going up Mt. Sinai and connecting with his God. Can’t look directly at God. Covered his face. But God wants to be know so God gave the Law, then the prophets, and finally for many of us “The Word Made Flesh” in Jesus Christ. God continues to be revealed through creation, through movements in history and in individuals who are joined with him in, as The Message Bible puts it, “an intimate and organic way.”
In holy baptism Donna was signed and sealed as God’s child. Through a life of creativity, strength, and loyalty, she revealed not only to her immediate family and friends, but also to the world a bit more about her God. In listening to her children’s stories (and there are far more than I could share this morning) it was a delight to celebrate the reality that “although death ends a life in this place, it does not end a relationship.” Each of her three children and each of her seven grandchildren carry a bit of Donna with them.
Her creativity is so visible when you visit her home, in the city, but not of it. Still feels like the rural space where she grew up. The arts and crafts created by a daughter and grandchildren become icons and continue to bring smiles and joy to many. She enjoyed being playful and her family was good at playing with her. Some playfulness she enjoyed more than others.
Her strength, embodied especially in a son, made it clear where she stood and her expectations. She was very hard to brush off once she made up her mind. I personally remember 16 months ago when Gene died and although I was honored to be asked I told her “I don’t do memorials anymore.” Guess who did his service.
Her loyalty was amazing. She remained loyal to her God all her life. She was loyal to Gene as they shared 56 years of marriage. To her children. She was loyal to her church. One of the hardest things she did was to changes churches. It was never easy even when the family felt it was necessary. Delivered “Meals on Wheels” for 28 years, sometimes bringing a grandchild to meet some of her new friends. A daughter treasures that loyalty by using it as a moral compass for her life as well.
Creativity, strength and loyalty are attributes of the God we worship. Donna is one of the ways God has been revealed in our lifetimes. The eclipse is a once in a life event. Donna is a once in a lifetime incarnation of that sacred energy and love of God. 16 months ago, when we celebrated the life of her husband Gene, the chosen gospel were the words from Jesus about “preparing a place for all of God’s faithful.” Donna’s family is highly suspicious that Jesus has had some help during these 16 months preparing that special place for her.
The best way for us to remember and celebrate our precious mother, grandmother, neighbor and friend is to keep looking for, identifying, celebrating and nurturing God’s revelations in our world and in our lives. Don’t be hesitant to celebrate the sacred as it is revealed in a wondrous creation. Don’t be shy to point out living evidence of God in our midst. And, like Donna, be bold in being living witnesses of “the word made flesh” in each of us as we live the “christic” in our daily life.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Wonderful message!
Posted by: Deana Reimer | August 27, 2017 at 10:49 PM