Earlier this week, when Grand-sitting, I took Cozy’s face in my hands and said, “God loves you, sweet Cozy.”
I did not add, “and has a wonderful plan for your life.”
Cozy’s the Carlberg family’s dog.
My spiritual connection with Cozy’s rooted in the book my friend and I’ve been reading for Advent: All Earth Is Waiting by Katie Dawson. The author instructs all creation is waiting to be set right again: trees, water, animals, humans. Think of JOY to the World, when “heaven and nature sing.”
Since the Washington funeral service for President George H.W.Bush, I’ve been humming or singing, “Praise, my soul, the King of heaven.”
Not all funerals leave one singing.
The services in Washington and Houston reminded me, we don’t have to agree on everything to work together for a greater good. Even, true friendships become possible.
Years ago, I thought it a mere political slogan to be “a kinder, gentler nation.”
God, do we ever need that today.
Nothing wimpy about kindness.
Nothing weak about gentleness.
On this December day, I’m still singing,
“Praise my soul, the King of heaven,
to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!”
The hymn continues:
“Praise him for his grace and favor to his people in distress…”
Which takes me back to Cozy, cupping his face in my hands, watching his eyes as I bless him with words fit for man and beast, “God loves you.”
God
loves
you.
Imagining healing during this Advent season, blessing an enemy with grace and love, singing,
“Angels, help us to adore him,
you behold him face to face.
Sun and moon, bow down before him,
dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace!”
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Thanks for this, Jan. There was so much about George HW’s services this week that left me with tears in my eyes. And I think our country as a whole was left with a collective longing for those 1000 points of life, that kinder, gentler nation, some nobility and loyalty, honesty and well, good character. All those things that George 41 embodied, whether you liked his politics or whether you didn’t. Our hearts long for those things, don’t they?
Thanks Jan,
An Amen and a very amen! I already put my name in to work in the kennel club in the new heaven and new earth.
Blessings, Dale
This is a wonderful message to remember with this past week’s events. Like you, I thought the timing of GHWB’s funeral with Advent was extraordinary.
It has been several years since I have been in a Episcopal Church. Oh do I miss it. The service took me “home” in a sense. Almost every hymn was one of my favorites, especially For All the Saints. I would have loved to have the order of service to follow to remember all the words of the hymns.
That is my favorite hymn! Happy Advent