Nougat 7

Hi there

Since this pandemic got global, have you stopped to seriously think about life? Like our purpose etc? Could it be that which we meditate on from today’s Holy Nougat?

“He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”” Job‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

It was a rough read. I simply couldn’t wrap my head around the possibility of a non-service funeral, where one watched the proceedings from a distance. Yet, my friend would not lie. That was so far removed from my sense of paying last respects. And then I heard of obligatory cremations and the impact it must have had on family members, who again would love the personal touch. It wasn’t happening.

Ultimately, we each go the way of the dead. We may benefit from different rituals to see us off (including none), but it’s really not what matters. Rather it’s what happened before we return to the dust. Seriously

We arrived without too much pageantry. That is, we all got here one of two ways, and alone – even if we’re twins. Human choices help frame some of our actions, but much of what we do boils down to individual choice, even if it’s a response to another’s actions or influence. And most of us believe that our choices affect the what happens after, where and when it truly matters.

Are we making our lives count?

Have we given a thought to the treasures in heaven? For we really ought to use the dash between life and death to secure the treasures of the afterlife. If we were to die now (God forbid), are our souls right with God? Would we have positively impacted those whom we met along life’s way? Is It at all likely that even before our physical return to dust, that on our transition from life to death includes the heavenly celebration, ‘well done good and faithful servant!’?

Yes this pandemic and all it’s implications may incite fear, concerns, and even outright worry. That is justifiable. We need also be concerned however, about living in purpose, God’s purpose that is, on purpose, while celebrating all that God gives us and even that which God takes away. For until we are taken away, we have hope in God that the current situation can and will improve.

Blessed be the name of the Lord

In Christ’s love and grace . . .