Saturday, March 2, 2013

We are marching in the light of God...

We are marching in the light of God...

Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

It has been a time of gathering darkness, a time of light in the midst of the darkness of death. This shadow time has been illuminated by love...David and Dianne’s love for each other, the love of family and friends, and the Love that has held David all his days shining more brightly than ever in his sweet face.
Yesterday when the two men walked into his bedroom, ready to take him to Solace, he raised his hand in greeting and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you fellas.” Somewhere deep under the pain and confusion, the essential David, beloved of God, summoned the courtesy to recognize and welcome the strangers. His eyesight clouded, his vision is pure and strong as he leaves this world, his eyes on the prize of Love realized and present in the life to come.
Old timers used to talk about someone making a good death. I never quite understood that as a child. How could something as painful as death be good? The years have taught me that a good death is the result of a life well lived, a life with regrets and mistakes owned and made right, gifts celebrated and loved ones held close, a faith in the continued loving care of the Creator who brought us into being. David is dying a good death.
At my church we sing a gospel hymn “We Are Marching in the Light of God”. And so we all are... marching in the Light that knows no shadow due to change. We grieve the approaching loss of the one we hold so dear and celebrate his marching to Loving Light that awaits him, no shadows, no changes, just the perfect gift of Love. Amen.