1/5/08

Make it Happen!

Yesterday we laid our sweet cousin, Paulette, to rest. We only had a short three months to say good-bye. We ended the service by singing the song we sing at every family memorial service, Until Then. You see, years ago we cousins sang this song at our grandparents 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries, and since then it’s been sung around every graveside of each passing family member.

These particular words from this song clutched my heart yesterday, as my sisters sat on one side, and my daughter and niece on the other …

The things of earth will dim and lose their value,
If we recall they’re borrowed for awhile
And things of earth that cause the heart to tremble,
Remembered there will only bring a smile.

The “stuff” we have is borrowed, yes! But our relationships with God and one another will last forever and are the most important!

Why don’t we get what really matters? Why does it sometimes take a funeral to make us realize that we need each other? Or to cause stirring or even regrets in our hearts?

We mingled after the service and I heard quiet whispers amongst the crowd. The words, “We really should get together more often,” seemed to have a chain effect, as we cousins clung to one another.








I’ve been teaching my children for years now, trying to get it into their heads, the most important part of life – God and People. I even tell their friends in the car, as I carpool them from place to place. I teach my Balcony Girls. I try to live it myself…

It’s not how many deeds you accomplish, or how many times you make it to church, or how you look in the eyes of man,” I tell them. It’s how you live out the commandment that we have been given – to love God and People! Even if you have to go out of your way - just make it happen!

Back in July we girl cousins met for what we did not know would be the last time with our Paulette. On August 1st I wrote, Last week we came together, at my house, for a quick luncheon. Although the food was tasty, what we really savored was our connection as cousins.”

Regrets we do not have. Our time was purposeful (read the post here). We all walked away with more passion to love, live, and give.

For the reluctant entertainer, or even the seasoned hostess – I leave you with this challenge for 2008 – Make it Happen!

Expand your comfort zone by becoming more gracious and inviting. Find new ways of expressing yourself and loving to others.

Just don't wait.

(Photos: beautiful southern Oregon skies; me holding Paulette's hand; Girls' Cousin Luncheon where we have "no regrets!")

Update: Girl cousins - in order by age - missing Ang and of course Paulette.

12 comments:

Donnetta said...

Oh My friend... I am so sorry to hear of your loss! What a tremendous reminder that time is really short and we should live what matters to the fullest.

Please know my thoughts and prayers continue with you and your family as you travel this road.

Farmgirl Cyn said...

Absolutely true. By this we know..that we have love for one another. 2008 is a year for change. We can feel it coming. It is definitely a time to reach out and touch the world, one soul at a time.

tammi said...

AMEN.

Your family will be in my prayers this coming week as you adjust to the loss and determine in your hearts how best to honour her memory.

Jen said...

You are so right.. Sometimes when I host I get so burned out before the guest arrive or worn out before they leave. I hope this year I can relax and try to enjoy myself....make it happen...without regrets.

Laura said...

I'm so sorry Sandy but how wonderful that you have no regrets. I love that.

Laura

Pam said...

Sandy,

I'm so sorry for your loss, but I loved what you shared. Thank you!

Praying for you as you continue to grow through this time.

Anonymous said...

Blessings for you and your family Sandy.

NYC said...

It is so difficult to lose someone that you love. I lost my father to prostrate cancer in June 2007. I pray that my father received Christ before dying (towards the end of his life my father could not communicate). Hopefully I will see my father and the rest of my family in heaven(I am the only Christian in my family).

What a joy that you will be able to spend an eternity with God and your cousin in heaven!

a woman who is said...

Sandy, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
It looks like Paulette was very dear to all your hearts.
What a precious tradition your family has in sharing that song.

How wonderful to conclude that we need to “Make it Happen” in 2008.

Unknown said...

Oh Sandy ~ I am so sorry for your family's loss. Your words are so true . . .

~j~ said...

~Sandy
thank you for sharing your loss with such eloquence and love. You certainly gave me much to put before the Lord.
julia

Tarrah said...

I'm so sorry for you loss. I recently had a close uncle pass away and I hadn't talked to him in a long time. I always thought of him but just never took the time to make that phone call. Flying to Texas to be there for my Aunt and help with the funeral was really hard. I had so much guilt that I didn't keep in touch better while he was sick.

Your right, all too often we say "lets get together soon" but we just don't make it happpen.

Thank you for this reminder and I will say a prayer for you.