Children of the Light
I chose this photo because Sandra and her children spent may days here. The photo was taken from the choir loft early Christmas morning. This is where we grew, shared, and gathered our inner light for many years together. Look at the light. It seems alive as it filters in the windows and glows from the fixtures. It is. It’s called the Holy Spirit. Rest sweet Sandra.
In my mind today, there is too much. I’ve experienced every emotion possible since August 26th until now. As my husband escaped death and was given more earthly time, others have crossed over into the light of eternity.
The devotions and readings I’ve been able to research have ironically been about death. Keeping your lamp trimmed and full of oil, the workers in the vineyard, and the fires of Gehenna. Between doctor appointments, family reunions, race obligations, and daily life, I caught up on my rest and readings but no writing. I’ve been an exhausted mess, but I’m slowly coming around. I’ve missed writing so much and talking with all of you.
Hearing about the untimely deaths of friends in our small community has me reflecting more about the next chapter. Rest. Bliss. Peace. I’m reminded these are not promised in this earthly chapter. We are called to be children of light. Eddie and Sandra were most definitely Children of the Light. They were those strong olive trees that I read about this morning. They have deep roots and such strong fruit laden branches. Their roots were steeped in Christian values and so, so strong. They have fruit that will continue to bear goodness wherever they fall. Their children, grandchildren, and everyone they touched became the fruit of their legacy of goodness.
Many may wonder how they will live on in spite of death?Remember they are Children of the Light. Their light will continue to shine through all of those they have touched. They both had leadership roles in church and the community. Their lights were such beaming examples through their volunteer work. Their lives spoke volumes about good character. To whom were their most beloved clients? Children.
How can we honor such lights that are now at home as a luminescent glimmer in the heart of God? Embrace the torches that they carried into the future. All of the Girl Scouts, first communion classes, friends, co-workers, and children that Sandra’s light shined upon continue to radiate as they forge on with her spirit within them. Her beloved daughters have her bravery and courage melded into them. Mr. Eddie has a legacy of young men who are better to have known him. His son’s strong, brilliant light is a testament to his parents love. His daughter and her children carry the essence of his gregarious spirit and love. Will they be missed? Oh, yes terribly but they are onto the greatest adventure of all.
Students see, we all have to make this journey to the other side. All the things I’ve been reading tells us to prepare. Sandra and Eddie were prepared. They put more love into the world than it had before they were in it. Their smiles and laughter resonate within those who were blessed enough to have seen their lights in action. They would want you to continue to shine. How? 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Build one another up,” because our world desperately needs it. Encourage others especially when you see they are struggling, weak, or weary. Be positive especially when in the moments of adversity. Say kind words to strengthen, encourage, and empower others around you. After all, we are all called to be Children of the Light. Grab your torch and shine.
Sarah Anderson Alley
Dedicated to all those that were illuminated by Ms. Sandra Rausch and Mr. Eddie Vernon’s light.
Shine on.
Quotes of the Day:
“We’ve all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That’s who we really are.”
J.K. Rowling
“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.”
Roy T. Bennett
“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”
Plato
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