In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished.
Right about now, you are probably getting a little nervous, just how long is this sermon going to be if it takes two people and they're starting way back with creation. Not to worry, there is a point to starting with creation. God saw everything he had made and it was very good.
Babs was on board with that thought. She often
said, "The one thing Bill and I have thought and talked about
is just how very blessed we are-how good life is. It might have
been better for this avid Cubs fan if the Wrigleyville team had
won a World Series--or even just made it to the World Series once
in her life time. But there were other blessings--even in sports.
She witnessed many an amazing move by Michael Jordan. And it was
awfully nice with all the fine golfing talent in the household
to be able to claim that she was the only one in the family to
have ever gotten a hole-in-one.
And it was very good
Blessings-blessings are more than the obvious joys of the good life in beautiful surroundings. The real blessings of life are not things but relationships--relationships that give meaning to our life and the lives of those around us. Babs lived a life overflowing with the giving, caring, sharing that is the currency of relationships. Of all relationships--for Babs, family had to be tops on that list. She cared for her parents--worried about them--and thanked God that they had decided to live next door to a young man with a convertible--we can only wonder how long had she had her eye on Bill before he noticed her--or she got his attention. The creation of a family--from the beginnings of mutual support--through tough times and good times. No one would question the obvious delight she took in her grandchildren or the concern she had for you her children and your happiness.
Even during these last few days there was a need to help you know her desire that you go beyond your sadness--transcend your grief. The wonder and power of love cannot forget her own exclamation this past weekend--"How can I die if you're all crying?" Goodness to be found even in the darker moments
That is what brought Jesus to Mary and Martha. A dark moment--that brought Jesus to tears--and that we also have known--tears of sorrow--tears of anger. Mary challenged Jesus--"Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died." There were so many prayers these past months--so many invitations for Christ to be present and heal the disease--but the disease would not go away. Babs beat the best guess of the doctors but she could not beat the cancer. Jesus said, "whoever lives and believes in me will never die."
Life is more than the moments we would use to define ourselves and our lives--there is faith that reaches to eternity--there is grace that transforms and renews life--there is memory that makes the past part of new futures. The story of salvation begins in the ancient book of Genesis--flows through holy history and through our stories--each life lived by faith provides another moment for God's eternal will to come a little closer to fulfillment.
That little Bible lesson seems appropriate to this morning. Today is Thursday--and the time is just about right. For years Babs has joined us one morning each week for study. And at the end of each study session there would be the prayer list--the sharing of names for whom the gathered friends were asked to pray. Many here today have been on that list at one time or another--friends for whom we prayed--and sometimes wept. Jesus wept for his friend Lazarus--we also weep for our friend Babs
Friendship was important to Babs. Friendship
is a gift that comes from giving to others--giving of self and
time and resources. Sharing the gift of hospitality--she and Bill
opened their home to congregational, neighborhood and family gatherings--a
basement big enough for a church party--a dining room table large
enough for the whole family to sit around--a belief that God wanted
everyone to be welcomed--be valued--be loved.
It is an awesome moment when ever we realize we are loved-to feel
love. Diane tells us that Babs responded to the many cards and
calls she received by repeating over and over "I feel so
loved." What a blessing to be loved--and to love.
That's the great truth that Christ taught us-even in last Sunday's Gospel. That love finds its greatest expression in service to others--the giving of self. Babs recognized the blessings of life and responded by giving back--working with CASA--caring for children that society might so easily cast aside--working with Safe Place and the struggles of battered women--serving on the board of one of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois' homes--serving where there was need but rarely glory.
A life lived well-and good--but let us also hasten to add--because she made us promise we would say this--Babs was no saint. And she went on to say "I don't want to be made to sound like a saint either." It hardly seems fair to disagree with her when she can't have the last word.
Babs was no saint--but today she dwells
with the saints--and the promise Christ made to Mary was made
to us all--death is not the end--here is a new beginning. The
stories need to be told again--stories of God and those who serve
by grace--stories told that we might remember--so that children
will learn of their grandmother--and friends will remember a kindness.
Tears will be shed and smiles shared--and eternity will come a
little closer as we gather at table together--a table with room
for the whole family--and that is good--very good.
Amen.