We Are All Saints

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, (Hebrews 12:1 NIV)

When I hear the word saint, even though I know better, the images that come to mind are the truly great men and women of God throughout the centuries; those that spent their lives selflessly giving and working for others.  Those that were martyred.

The truth is, every member of the church is a saint, no matter what we have done... or haven't done.  Even those of us who struggle with sin; who speak ill of our neighbors; who frequently fail to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit the sick and imprisoned; who let our minds wander during prayer and worship instead of staying focused on the moment; who yell at our kids and cuss when we have problems at work; who maybe have a divorce or even two in our past; who sometimes don't feel like getting out of bed; who spend too much time trying to make more money and not enough time on relationships.

Think about those who we celebrate today (All Saints Day).  I know those I am remembering were not perfect.  They were not famous.  They did not spend all their time dedicated to bringing God's kingdom to earth.  But they are part of that cloud of witnesses.  They have been here and done this.  It wasn't easy for them and they know it is not easy for us.  They made plenty of wrong choices and they know we have and will do the same.  But they are there to remind us that it's all okay.  Even if the worst things we worry about actually happen, it is still okay.

When I think of my mom and the difficult life she led, I can't help but remember the lyrics of one of the songs we played at her funeral:  "My chains are gone; I've been set free.  My God, my Savior has ransomed me!"  One day, we will truly be free of every chain... and we will be a part of that cloud of witnesses encouraging the saints on earth.

Father,
I thank you for the loved ones who have gone on before me, especially my dad, mom and brother.  Thank you for setting them free.  Amen.

Joys: Trick or treating with Cecelia last night; time with Daniel and Tracy yesterday; remembering the saints from my life