For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time
to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted – Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians
5:16-18
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
As I write this I am preparing to fly back to the farm I grew up on in Ohio. Sadly, it is not for a joyful occasion; I am
going to attend the funeral of my Uncle Gene. As I think about it, the last time that I was back home it was for the funeral of my
Uncle Bobby Dale in July of last year. During these past 18 months of the pandemic I have lost 3 uncles and one aunt; only one
of them due to Covid. It has just now dawned on me that 2 years ago my Mom and Dad’s generation of the family numbered 7
and now there are 3, including my Mom. (3 strong women remain.)
There’s no real way to sugar-coat that reality, and sitting here reflecting on it makes me sad. And that’s fine. It should
make me sad, I believe. While I can honestly say of 3 of the 4 deaths, “It was time” and “Death was actually a blessing”, loss is
loss and it’s appropriate and healthy to mourn our lost loved ones in every case.
But I also have great reasons to be happy, to be hopeful, to be thankful. Even the funeral itself will provide a chance to
gather with my siblings and cousins, a chance to tell my Aunt Roma how much I enjoyed our days on their farm – how much I
admired my Uncle Gene and how proud I was of his great strength and loved his quick smile and explosive laugh. Sharing those
memories will be reasons to be glad, even as we mourn together.
I can also take comfort in and celebrate the fact that even as we are losing this oldest generation our family is actually
growing. The generation that is passing has left behind more children, grandchildren and great-grand babies to love and be
amazed by than their own number. My family has more to give thanks for than to mourn over. The deaths that have occurred
have largely occurred “in their time”, and they have been tempered by the celebrations of these new lives among us.
I may be sad for a bit longer, experience has taught me that the sadness will come and go in waves; but I also know
that waves of joy and thankfulness will also continue to wash over me as well. As the saying goes, “God is good, all the time.”
Peace!
Pastor Layne