Dear Friends,
This week my home has been filled with the joy and energy of grandchildren in their twenties. The piano which sadly does not get used regularly without John’s use carried the sounds of duets and laughter. Our oldest grandson accompanied me to visit his grandfather where we also sang a hymn which they jointly accompanied for our youngest grandson’s Baptism 15 years ago. This grandson like all the grandchildren bring out the best in John and the two had a wonderful conversation starting with the comment that both his grandparents were wearing jumpers with horizontal stripes. John replied that from where he was looking they seemed vertical, upright, just as he longed to be upright! John may no longer be able to stand ‘upright’ physically but his sense of uprightness in his demeanour grows daily as he leans into his love and trust in Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This same demeanour can be found in the Saints we ponder as we celebrate ‘All Saints’ on Sunday. As we travel around our cities we will have discovered that our Churches, like us at St. Nicolas, are dedicated to a Saint and we have found ourselves googling to find out their story. Many may call to mind a Saint who has encouraged their journey of faith or read or heard a story of a life that has been a real expression of faith.
This same demeanour can be found in those we remember at the ‘All Soul’s’ service on Sunday afternoon when we remember and give thanks for those who have given life to us either physically or through relationships as relatives and friends.
The theme of remembrance continues in November as we remember on the 11th those who have given their lives for our freedoms through their service in the 19-14 and 1939-45 World Wars and all Wars subsequently.
To remember is a great gift and one we are appreciating more and more as we age. Not least for those who live in the fog of the various forms of dementia. What we must all do as we remember is to remember the importance of continuing to make memories. So my heart is filled with the thanksgiving of the memories made this week with our grandchildren.
In Christ, Daphne
Daphne Cook, LLM