Traditions from Childhood Remain With Us Forever

In church this weekend, my thoughts strayed from the sermon at hand.

I felt removed from the people around me. Despite being surrounded by people, I felt alone.

The church of my grandparents and parents remains my church but now I go to services alone. So many of my beloved family members have died and gone to the other realm of life.

Looking around the familiar surroundings, I  felt the presence of loved ones who are no longer with me. In one sense, it was heartbreaking to know they are no longer her to talk to and to hug. On the other hand, however, I felt  grateful for the gift of faith bestowed on me by my parents and grandparents. It was, no doubt, their greatest gift to me,  the most valuable inheritance anyone could ever ask for.

Glancing up at the stained glass windows, I felt in awe of their beauty and intensely grateful for the gift of eyesight in order to see them.

Life goes on after we lose those we love. Years pass. Children grow up and leave.  New babies come and suddenly we find ourselves the "older" generation.  Where did the time go? How could it be that life is speeding by with the fury of a runaway freight train?

No matter what is going on around me, there is comfort in the familiar.  The old stained glass windows from my childhood remain as beautiful as ever.

Today, my heart is at peace and I wish each of you the most wonderful of days today.  May you be immersed in light and warmed in love.

Remember the gifts of your own childhoods and may your hearts be filled with gratitude for all good things.

WHAT IS ONE THING FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR?