Dear Friends
Every single day, people die without
warning. Family and friends close to the situation are suddenly and painfully
reminded of how fragile and fleeting life is. On some days, as was the case on Sunday, millions
of people are made aware of the sobering truth that tomorrow is not promised to
anyone.
But life is short for us all. Whether
we make it to 13, or 41, or 101, our lives are a blink of an eye against
eternity. That does not mean they have no meaning or purpose. Indeed, even
those whose lives are cut short have lasting power and significance, celebrity
or not.
To all the prayers and scriptures and sayings that try
to help us make some sense of the senseless, the brevity of life and the importance
of making every day count, I would simply add this blessing which is used at
St. Dunstan’s. Without our knowing about the tragedy, it was being pronounced at our 8 and 10 am services, soon before
and soon after the time the helicopter went down. It was written by Henri-Frederic
Amiel (1821-1881), an example and reminder that what we do or say now,
may still have an impact long after we are gone.
Life
is short
and
we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts
of
those who travel the way with us.
So
be swift to love. Make haste to be kind.
And
may the blessing of God;
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Be
upon you and remain with you always. AMEN.
John
P.S. Included in those who died are
Sarah Chester, 45, and her daughter Payton, 13. Sarah was on the Board of Trustees
at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, and Payton
was a
student there. Her brothers Hayden and Riley are 10th graders at the
school.
