Journal entry by Al Negstad — 19 minutes ago
Grace University Lutheran ("my" church I say proudly) has a tradition of bidding farewell to persons who are leaving, whether for a short time or more permanently. The pattern is to ask the person departing to stand in the center aisle, hands are laid on the person or on someone next to the person, etc., so a long chain involving everyone is formed. The congregation then sings:
"May the long time sun shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you
Guide you on your way home."
Today I was the person blessed on my way. It's a very powerful experience, feeling the love and spirit surrounding and sending. This is also what we sang as Joanne's casket was wheeled down the center aisle at the conclusion of her funeral service.
So there I stood, full of gratitude for this faith community surrounding me with love, prayers and support. There I stood filled with grief, as I remembered Joanne's final farewell knowing that this time I must go on without her. Joy, gratitude and grief all rolled together...that's life in the land of grief.
Blessings,
Al
"May the long time sun shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you
Guide you on your way home."
Today I was the person blessed on my way. It's a very powerful experience, feeling the love and spirit surrounding and sending. This is also what we sang as Joanne's casket was wheeled down the center aisle at the conclusion of her funeral service.
So there I stood, full of gratitude for this faith community surrounding me with love, prayers and support. There I stood filled with grief, as I remembered Joanne's final farewell knowing that this time I must go on without her. Joy, gratitude and grief all rolled together...that's life in the land of grief.
Blessings,
Al
PS In answer to some questions: Yes, I plan to keep this blog as I travel, with dual posting on negstad.blogspot.com
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