All Saints Day

 

This Sunday we will celebrate All Saints Day.  Today, I invite you to light a candle and name your saints.  For me, that includes my grandma, my mom, people whose love I felt at the church, and those whose fingerprints are on my life.  Recently, my Uncle Keith passed away.  I got to see him a few years ago when I was visiting Iowa.  I admired my Uncle Keith.  He was optimistic, caring, smart, energetic, and loving.  Uncle Keith sent handwritten letters, until arthritis caused him to turn to a typewriter.  Uncle Keith left fingerprints upon my heart.  I think about my grandma who lived with us growing up.  She was stern and serious, classic German personality.  But, as the baby of the family, I think she let me get away with things.  I remember watching soap operas with her during the summer and how her hugs let me know I was fully loved.  I remember my mom who sought to share love in the best ways she could.  My mom loved Christmas so much that the day after Thanksgiving, the Christmas boxes came out of hibernation in the basement.  How mom and dad baked cookies and candy for everyone.  How mom was the one who went to church with me.  I remember former pastors who shared God’s love with me, and I have lost touch with over the years.  One of the myths of life in America is rugged individualism, that we get to decide who we want to be.  We are shaped by those around us (see Monday’s meditation).  I pray today, you will light a candle to symbolize those whose love made you who you are.  Name your saints.  May this spiritual practice open you to Sunday when we honor the saints of our church.  With God’s love which comes to us disguised in the lives of those who love us. Amen.