Hebrews 12:1-2 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
As I write today, it is All Saints Day, the first Sunday of November. This is the day we celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us, lighting the path and showing us the way. It is a day to give thanks for those saints who have touched us through their example.
All Saints Day is one of those lesser church holidays that I have come to really savor. It is a chance to remember those who have guided us and changed us for the better. It is a day to celebrate in the goodness of life and the lessons that come in death.
At my church, and at many others today, we read the names of all the people in our congregation who had passed away this year. A bell tolled after each name, and we listened as the sound reverberated and trailed off. We celebrated Communion and lit candles to remember the light of the saints that blazed our trail.
Today, my heart was full of emotions as I thought about my cousin Linda, who is the newest saint in my cloud of witnesses. This summer, I had the privilege to be with her, in what was her final week of life. She had a biopsy, and within a month, she passed away from a cancerous brain tumor that burst. She taught me so much about dying with grace. She ran to her finish line with courage and compassion, surrounding herself with family and friends. She laid aside the burdens that had encumbered her and lived in the present, savoring every minute of life as long as she could.
Today, and every day, she and the other saints in my life give me strength and inspiration. They look down from that great cloud of witnesses and cheer me on when I am discouraged. They remind me to live fully and perform random acts of kindness, because these moments are the miracles in our midst. They fill me with love that spills out of me. They drive me toward perfection and prepare me for the sainthood that will come when my race is over. May it be so.
Gather the Cloud of Witnesses, Anoint Each Other, a hymn written by UMW Clergy women (one of which was our associate minister, Susan Beehler) a number of years ago. I have always liked the image it created and appreciate you reminding me of it. Thanks for your work.
I have been catching up with your posts and was stunned to read this one. I don’t know if you realize it or not, but this day, November 8, would have been Linda’s 55th birthday so she has definitely been on our minds.
I didn’t realize that I was writing on Linda’s birthday, but it is so fitting. She really was shining light and I feel so blessed that I was able to be with her this summer, more than you can ever know. She is there in the clouds, looking down on us and cheering us on. And I thank God for all she gave me.