Ordinary Lives

View to far backyard and beyond-sunset

Earlier this week I learned that my neighbor's husband passed away in September. He was in his late seventies and had been sick for several years. Having met him once or twice and having spoken with his wife several times, I was sad to hear about such a sudden loss. They were both expecting him to pass away at some point I suspect but I can imagine that they thought they had more time. We all do.

Coinciding with the above is this lovely article, link here. The author writes eloquently of the special intimacy between couples, of the care that they give to one another and the lengths to which they will go to support and love each other at the end. Lives intertwined and enmeshed with one another. Where does one life end and the other begin after all of that time?

I have a special love for the idea that we are all quiet witnesses to one thing or another but especially to each other. The author takes care to point this out-how important it is to notice what is happening around us; that which is manifested in the everyday activities of our friends and neighbors. Many, many of us live very ordinary lives. I can't help but believe that God's presence here in the lives of those of us just living very quietly is most important. Just as important as in the lives of those of us who do big things. It all matters. And if we just stop for a minute or two and pay attention, we can realize that we are the witness. We have a part to play too. 

Libby