We celebrated All Saints’ Sunday yesterday…singing (with gusto) For All the Saints and I Sing a Song of the Saints of God. It prompted me to reflect on the “cloud of witnesses” that has surrounded me, and for that I praise God:
I sing a song of the saints of God…
My Grandparents, Lewis and Clara. They would recite the Lord’s prayer with me at bedtime. Laying a foundation of faith.
My boss and his wife, Larry and Catharine. Dedicated to one another, their family, their employees and community. A couple to imitate.
Patient and brave and true…
My co-worker and friend, Lyn, whose life was claimed by cancer. His compelling assurance of Eternity strengthened my faith.
The departed Saints in the Men’s Bible Study at St. Matthew’s. Loyal to their church and committed to their faith. Never bashful with their doubts and questions.
Who toiled and fought and lived and died…
Mrs. Hawkins on my Meals on Wheels route. Terminally ill. Always reading her Bible. Preparing for Heaven.
Cindy’s nanny, Elizabeth. The family’s lively prophetess of both admonition and encouragement.
For the Lord they loved and knew…
My colleagues Jan and Ben. For their high standards and friendship.
For Wild Bill, my father-in-law, who loved nature and learning and teaching. A model of graciousness.
They were all of them saints of God, and I mean, God helping, to be one too. Amen.