All Days

Ghosts, zombies, and skeletons walked the streets last night - most of them under five feet tall. Thankfully, princesses, cowboys, superheroes, and firefighters joined them. Nevertheless, the themes of fright and death loomed larger.

While much of the fright ended with the rising of the sun, the theme of death continues for many today and tomorrow. People from various Christian traditions recognize today as All Saints Day and tomorrow as All Souls Day. Both "All" Days provide special occasions during which we of today can pause to give thanks for the people known and unknown to us who, while no longer with us, left positive legacies.

Whether All Saints and All Souls are part of your traditions or not, I encourage you to do just that. Devote time to giving thanks to God for the people who have gone before you leaving positive legacies. Remember the kindness of your grandfather and the cookies of your grandmother. Be thankful for the fathers and mothers of our faith who were not ashamed of the gospel. Reflect on how that particularly demanding teacher made you the gifted writer / musician / mathematician / physician you are today. Think about those bold men and women who stood against tyranny.

Next - and most importantly - remember and praise the One who died and yet rose again.

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Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

#ordinarylives