Pay it Forward

As often happens when a person dies, family members gather around to divide their belongings. One child might take a favorite chair, another, a photo album. Sometimes there is a set of silver or some teacups. Usually, the selections are made on the basis of which items stir the child, or adult, to memories of days gone by. There is a kind of ‘connectedness” that people experience when they have something once owned by a loved one, in their possession.

I still sit in a chair that was my father’s many years ago; it’s worn badly, but getting rid of that chair is like letting go of the presence of my father. I drink from my mother’s teacups and sipping from one of her cups puts her at the table with me. It is a wonderful thing to be able to connect in that way. Now there are many ways to connect with people we love; pictures, videos, stories, books, shared places—like favorite fishing spots or camping sites. Family traditions are another way of connecting; summer picnics, Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas celebrations, deer hunting, etc. The list goes on and on and each family has their own way of carrying on and RE-MEMBERING their family and the ones they love.

A number of years ago a hit movie came out called, “Pay It Forward.” The essence of the movie was to do something good or special for someone unexpectedly in response to a good deed done for you. The idea was so unique because you were to do this good deed for someone OTHER than the person who had blessed you.

So, here’s my thought. Of all the things that connect us to the people we love, nothing can be more intimate, more loving, and more life giving than their faith. After all it is their faith that nurtured them through troubling times. It is their faith that saw them through “the war,” whichever war it was. It is their faith that gave them the strength to meet their last days with courage and hope. Their faith is much more than a teacup, or an old chair. Their faith is LIFE GIVING. So, for those of us who are active in our faith, let’s pay it forward. Share your faith with someone in an inviting and gracious way.

And, for those of us who are less active, and view faith as just another of the many demands on life; try embracing it as a gift from one who loves you. After all, when the final day comes, faith is all you can take with you. The teacup, chair and traditions stay here.

Besides, I think the only drink in heaven is NEW WINE. Happy Easter!

Father Bill Myrick