On Sunday, I flew out to Abbotsford for the night so I could attend Uncle Rein's funeral the next morning. The service was a wonderful tribute to his life. It was wonderful to spend time with family during this time. I was very touched when Eric, Uncle Rein's oldest son, handed me something after the service. I broke down in tears as I stared at the paper in my hand. It was the paper I had written at university documenting the variety of educational pursuits within an immigrant family. I had interviewed Uncle Rein and Grandpa in my research. Uncle Rein had a copy of this in our family history, The Sommerfeld Saga, and so it was touching to be given it.
One thing that always strikes me while celebrating a loved one's life is the stories you hear of the impact they had on others throughout their life. A lady named Kathy shared about how grateful she was for Uncle Rein begin part of the choir at the care home. She also mentioned how touched she was by how he showed his gratitude by leaving hand written cards for her regularly, all of which she had kept. She then proceeded to play What A Friend We Have In Jesus on the piano. Stories of how others are impacted by our actions makes me pause and contemplate the life I am living. Am I living a life fully for God? Are my life priorities on track? Am I spending life being busy for the sake of being busy or am I appreciating this one life I am given and living it to the fullest? Am I making a difference through showing God's love to others and being an encouragement to those who need it? I sure hope so but know that I can always improve in this journey I am on.
At the end of the service, we sang "A Mighty Fortress." I love singing some of these old, familiar hymns. It takes me back to my roots and comforts me when I hear them played. I am including the song below, although, it is not played on the piano or organ, I like this version by Chris Rice for the beautiful pictures used, perfect for Fall. Simply click on the words below to take you to the link.
A Mighty Fortress
Another song that I love is, "It Is Well With My Soul." I remember standing beside a beloved lady in church, Winnie Kelm, while singing it one Sunday years ago. What a faithful woman who was such a friend and blessing to me.
It Is Well With My Soul
While out in the Vancouver area, I loved seeing all the reds and oranges of the Fall leaves. We don't have such vibrant colours here but I encouraged my family to go out one afternoon and snap some pics along the South Saskatchewan River with The Bes in the background. At my Mom's Circle on Wednesday morning, we were taking about pictures and whether they are an accurate picture. I had to laugh as we were taking the pictures because while Terry and I had the tripod set up to snap a picture of just the two of us, Jaret jumped in front of us just before the photo was snapped. I love the look on his face - my goofy kid. Rather than pose for pics sometimes, my kids would rather just act silly. Which I understand and love about them, despite how difficult it makes it to just get a family picture sometimes.
I pray that during Thanksgiving, you each are able to spend time with your family, reflecting on the many blessings in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!
"I will praise the name of God with song, and shall magnify Him with thanksgiving." ~Psalm 69:30 (NAS)
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." ~Colossians 3:15 (NAS)
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