Holidays 2009

I have often thought that the holidays were the worst time for funerals. Not so sure that I've changed THAT much, but this year, with several of these under my belt, I have had to change my thinking some. Surely, the loss of a family member at a time of celebration is never a happy thing, but one will surely remember them as they celebrate in the ensuing years. And one can hope, remember them celebrating...not leaving.

This year has brought two losses of friends for each Mike and I, with us being able to attend one memorial service - his friend. The fabulous musician was asked (and rightly so) to offer a musical rendition of "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and "Amazing Grace" at the site, as the friend was an avid follower of his Jazz playing around here. After having asked the Lord to glorify Himself through his horn, it was beautiful, and the wife thanked us profusely. This writing, however, is prompted by another person we had the pleasure of meeting. Pastor Molly...an Episciple pastor who led the service.

Now, I have to explain myself here. I am from a long line of not particularly supportive of women pastors. I believe Scripture to address this and I will leave it at that. However, Pastor Molly was the first of said pastors I've seen who was really herself in her pastoral robes, and not a woman trying to prove herself in a man's role. Her service was totally Scripture based and full of hope of eternal life, evangelical in outreach, and very reassuring of God's care at such a difficult moment. I found myself asking God to bless her ministry as He so chose, for she was all about offering Him glory. Hmmmmmm...won't we all be surprised at the tightly held belief system that we ascribe to here on earth, being altered when we all "see as we are seen" by the One in Whom we believe!

Celebration of holidays is after all celebration of hope - recognizing the past joys, and looking forward to those in the future. While I know losing a loved one during these times seems like a tragic event to focus on, being brought together again as family, whether related, or the family of man, should cause us to remember with deep joy the time we have been allowed here with those we have loved - to redeem the time we have yet, with thanks to the ONE WHO LOVES US BEST.