Monday, March 30
Blessed as those who mourn, for they will be comforted.–Matthew 5
I have spiritual conversations with nature. Working in my garden I find a connection to God’s creation. Enjoying a beautiful sunset, a bird that is passing by, or a butterfly landing on one of my flowers gives me joy, and it is a thank you God moment. I had many gardening and flower conversations with Sue Dickerman. At the time they were pleasant conversations about something we both shared as an interest. Now they are sacred conversations that I cherish.
A year ago at the end of the summer, when I was bringing in my window boxes for the winter, I found a petunia plant that had just started to grow. I transplanted and watered this plant that generally thrives in the summer, all winter long. As the New Year rolled in, I was feeling low and sad remembering it was a year ago when Sue was facing her last days. On February 14th, the petunia blossomed. I saw a bright red flower in bloom in the middle of the winter. I realized it was the anniversary of Sue’s passing. The sadness lifted, and I knew Sue was teaching me one more lesson about new life and resurrection. Sue lives on. When the good weather came I started a memory practice by planting a pansy as a visual reminder to me about that shared hobby. Sue taught me the pansy is an Easter plant as it has three leaves; representing the trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I recently heard to grieve is respectful, to remember holy. –Janet Sanders
God of comfort, be with us as we grieve; inspire us to holy remembering. Amen.
