Christmas and funerals

Somehow, we have gotten the idea that young people shouldn't die. Don't get me wrong, I just came from one of the saddest funerals I've attended in a very long time. The death of a vibrant, gregarious 41 year old woman has left a gigantic hole in the heart of Sundance. And yet, her death brings home the idea (once again) that none of us are guaranteed even one more day. Several questions were asked at her funeral today. Some of them were: Are you spending each day that you are given to the fullest? Are you spending time doing what is important? Are you preserving memories for your loved ones- for later- just in case? Brenda found time in her days to take care of others, to take care of herself, to love each moment and to create memories. Lots of memories.

One of Brenda's sisters-in-law talked of the 'stockings' Brenda would stuff with all kinds of gifts for those she loved. Time and again, it was obvious the most important gift she gave to those she loved was the gift of time. Time spent at athletic events, school programs, preparing and eating meals and time spent on the telephone. I am guilty of spending lots and lots of time doing all kinds of things- but am I spending time doing the things that will count the most when I am gone?

Christmas is just around the corner and then the New Year. As I sat in the gymnasium today surrounded by so many who have touched my life, I wondered who would be gone at this time next year? Who will be the next to leave a hole in the life of our community? This thought has created an urgent need in my heart to visit with those in our little hamlet that are living with cancer, those that are caring for ailing loved ones, those that are well, just old. So much more important than the gifts I could give is the time that I can spend.

At this time of year, I ask God to lead me to an area of my life that needs developing in the coming year. One of the richest learning experiences for me was the year I concentrated on learning the healing art of encouragement. Another year was faith and prayer. I am not sure how to articulate where God is leading me in the coming year, but I am beginning to think it has something to do with cherishing time with loved ones. I can only hope that when I am gone, I will leave behind a legacy of love and an attitude of joy similar to Brenda. May God bless her family and loved ones as they adapt to life without her in it.