The readings for today remind us that our time on earth is finite. This, of course, we know. The question is, do we live life with the spirit of this knowledge each day?
Our school community in Alexandria lost a good man, a true friend and a beloved teacher recently. At his memorial service, the minister assured us all of the only two real truths that exist: We are all going to die some day, and the only thing that really does matter is love. Our friend who just passed away confessed that he regretted not having written a book. The minister disagreed and told him that his book was written in and on the hearts and souls of the students he loved dearly. Love is tender.
One of my mentors is a gifted leader and humanitarian who taught me years ago the value of every day. I was part of a group of donors she had assembled to thank us for our contributions and to assure us that more than 90 cents of every dollar we gave to her organization would go directly to helping needy families and children. And then, just before we all started offering high fives around the room, she basically said, “See you tomorrow.” In so many words, she made sure we all went to bed that night knowing that the next day would definitely bring hardships to many and we need to rise and give what we can today, tomorrow and the next day. Love is generous.
On my paternal grandmother’s side we are descendants of Pocahontas. Some historians suggest that her Christian name of “Rebecca” that she received when she was baptized was actually symbolic of Rebecca from the Book of Genesis, mother of Jacob and Esau, to represent her role as a “mother of two nations.” Had it not been for Pocahontas’ love for her new friends and her willingness to sacrifice her life for others, the course of history may very well have been far different. Love is brave.
I like to suggest to our kids to “put legs on” whatever thought or point they are making. What does it look like? How does it move? What does it do? How do we put legs on love? Based on the important lessons taught by these three teachers, I think we must take time to love all those in our path with great tenderness. We must love them every day and pour out all that we can to them in a generous way. And we must be willing to sacrifice for those we love. We must be brave.
Can your love change history or give birth to a nation? Maybe.
Carrie Garland
Appointed readings for today: Job 14:1-14, Psalm 31: 1-4, 15-16, Matthew 27:57-66
