(One of many processing writings for my friend’s passing and her services)

At the calling hours, I could only see the back of the casket, from my church pew, and yet I could see the front of the faces of the people passing by it. The one gentleman who once shared his midnight Easter meal with me and my friend, after the 10pm-midnight Orthodox service, on the first occasion I visited this Orthodox traditional church with my friend, who was so ill for years but still so faithful, well. . . Well his face of pain spoke volumes of bitter frustration of grasping the cruelty of loosing a life so young and heartbreak of her life which should have continued to be been vibrant. Pain.

Hugs. I could see directly across my aisle to a massive supportive hug given by a young girl scout to her fellow scout, youngest daughter of my friend. Ah, both a young 10yrs old, but the strong support for each other in such young hearts is God-given and parent-taught. We ARE on this journey together… There is joy in the journey, sorrow but strength in the support, hugs in the hope, compassion in the tears shed for each other. We carry each other’s burdens. 

The hug brought this observation from our girl scout troop leader, “It Broke My Heart and Healed It at the Same Time”…

Amen to that. 

Amen to all…

—

Paul’s letter to the Galatians (6:2-10)

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.

Be Generous and Do Good

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.