Patricia's Passing Thoughts

Sunday, May 10, 2009

May 10, Sunday, a beautiful day. Writing just before we have to leave for services at the Waltham Church. I am preaching. Yesterday we went to Jackson Smith's Memorial Service at New North Church in Hungham. Tom took part in the service. I knew Jackson at Harvard and he was acting Dean of studnets. Most of his life was spent as a minister of small church. He was the one who suggested Tom as Pastor of Nw North. The church was packed...an amazing tribute to him, everything reflecting the unique, extraorindary person he was. As his son said, there was something surreal about it because it was hard to imagine that he is gone. He was so present to so many people and touched so many lives.

Part of me wishes that we could have Memorial services while we are still alove. But I suspect it isn't until after we die that our lives fall into perspective and the softness of grace and love is poured out upon us. We have to take one another someshat for granted in daily life, though perhaps we could experiment more with the gratitude that befals us when someone we love takes leave.

Enough of yesterday. It is today and church and life beckons.

Penned by Patrica Budd Kepler at 4:58 AM