Thanksgivings in the Rain

          The newsfolks on TV are telling me that it's the nastiest Memorial Day weekend they can remember. The harbingers of summer - crowds at the ferries, on the Cape, at backyard barbecues - are all but absent. Rain, rain, go away…

          It seems fitting for our congregation, appropriate following a week of tears at the loss of Vickie Graham, and the poignant service at which we gathered with her family (and overflowed the sanctuary) on Saturday.

          But let there be room for gratitude, too. Thanksgivings that no rainy week can quell. For the beauty and strength of a life so well lived for her twenty years. For the assurance faith gives, that in being released form her illness, she was welcomed into God's peace and joy. For the witness of one remarkable family, that has moved us so deeply, and brought forth such love from church and community.

          And for that church - yes, right now I'm more grateful than ever for this church, for the coming together of so much caring, and so much working together for the Grahams and for all who came to the service and fellowship following. I believe that we let something of the love of Christ shine through to many in our community.

          And I'm grateful for the reminder of how precious this life is, and how lovingly we should live it while we have it.

Peace,

Rod