“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.”  Isaiah 66:13

“Jesus said to Mary Magdalene, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you looking for?”  Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”  Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’”  John 20:15, 16

In a recent eulogy a family member mentioned that the term for such an occasion used to be “funeral”.  It is now commonly called “Celebration of Life”.  Even while wiping away tears, we give thanks for time together and celebrate achievements and memories … even laugh at “goofy stuff”.

This past Monday was a designated day of remembrance.  During the Civil War women decorated the graves of soldiers, which later became an official practice known as Decoration Day.  Many of us use this weekend to remember family members and friends.  We visit and decorate graves of loved ones in the morning and have a picnic or barbecue with loved ones, the living, in the afternoon.  Both are a celebration of life.

Easter began as a “Decoration Day” of sorts.  Women went to Jesus’ tomb with oil to rub on his body as they remembered and grieved.  Outside his own grave, Jesus came to Mary and said, “Don’t be afraid.”  It brings comfort to know that Jesus, our Lord, knows humanity, knows us.  He shared meals with his friends … and others.  He went to the grave of Lazarus to remember his friend and to grieve.  He felt compassion for Jairus, a stranger, and restored life to his daughter.  He knew Mary was sad and afraid.  He understands our love of family and friends, and our longing.

God of love and compassion, we thank you for the blessing of family and friends … those who have raised us, nurtured and taught us; and time of fellowship, laughter and tears, and love.  Thank you for your love for all humankind.  Amen

Verla Olson

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party