It has been said, if you want to make God laugh, then make plans. For the past year things have been a struggle for me, worse than usual. Usually I can find perspective in all I do, and yet lately its not really seemed worth the struggle.
One of the most powerful services is the All Soul’s service we do annually. Anyone who has suffered the death of a loved one, or who is struggling emotionally or spiritually, is invited to attend the service. It’s a service that is quite simple. There is silence, prayer, music, anointing and communion.
Every year the group who gather is different. Some people come every year, some come once and never again. Others come one year and then not for a couple of years. But wherever we are on that journey, we come together to provide support, hope and love for each other.
This year the service will take on a new layer for me as I struggle to deal with the death of my dad four months ago. I have presided many, many funerals and celebrations of life, but his was by far, the most difficult. And yet, when it was over, I felt a great pride that his wishes has been fulfilled. It was tough, but it was worth it.
Yesterday I met with a family who’s son died of cancer at the age of 55. That’s too young. For parents who are only a little older than my own, to have to bury their son is excruciating. There’s really not anything useful I can say to them, because I don’t know how they feel. And so I tell them I’m very sorry. We sit in silence, and we pray.
At times like this, my own struggles seem miniscule in comparison. I know they will wait for me to deal with them. And so I push them aside and through the brokenness that is my life, I reach through and see the hope of new life, reflected in the eyes of parents who need to hear good news. They need to hear that physical death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life. So I tell them this, and I truly believe it.
After all, it is one of the few things that make enduring the garbage worthwhile. Breaking down is not an option for someone like me. Reaching through is an option. And so I take that option.