Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:4-9 (NRSV) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Tyler Connoley):
In my work as Hospice Chaplain, I was called to Connie’s house after her death. I had been visiting Connie for many months, and the family had asked me to be available for spiritual support when she died.
Connie had been living with her sister, Isabel, who loved her dearly, and had been willing to care for her as she slowly died from alcohol-related liver disease. Isabel did this despite the fact that Connie didn’t stop drinking beer until three days before her death (when she stopped drinking liquids altogether). I admit, I came to Connie’s house with some trepidation, knowing the complicated relationships she’d had with family and friends. All of her children were there, as well as several of her sisters. We chatted for a little while, and then I asked if they would like to say the prayers for the dead.
The family is Catholic, so we said the litanies and prayers out of the prayer book. I closed with a prayer of my own. Then, as we stood together still holding hands, Connie’s sister Mary said, “I’m so thankful for Hospice being with us at this time.”
And Connie’s daughter added, “I’m thankful for Aunt Isabel for taking Mom in, and caring for her when we couldn’t.”
“Well, I’m thankful for my daughter. I couldn’t have done this without her help,” said Isabel.
Someone said, “I’m thankful for Cousin Luis who came to visit every week.” And someone else added, “I’m just so grateful for the love and forgiveness in this family.” They went on like that for ten or twelve minutes, simply saying all the things they were thankful for.
Connie’s family loved her, and rejoiced in God’s good gifts, even at the time of her death from untreated alcoholism. I had come to their house to comfort them, and they taught me a lesson about rejoicing in the Lord always and being continually thankful in our prayers. In the midst of their grief, Connie’s family were able to focus on what was true, honorable, pleasing, and commendable.
Thought for the day: Paul says, “Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen.” If Connie’s family was able to do that on the day of her death, so can you and I in our everyday lives.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.