The power of

Perhaps a good way to finish off the year would be on a churchy note. A subject that infrequently comes up on this blog nowadays. I'm not sure why though, given that the world miracle is bandied about so often in medicine, or prayers for intervention in desperate situations are so frequently utterred.

Several days earlier at the christmas morning service the Rev was talking about the importance of family and had mentioned in passing that his aged father was quite unwell. Nothing more was said, but evidently a number of people had inquired after his fathers health over recent days.

This morning the Rev took a moment to briefly thank everyone who had inquired after his father and informed everyone that all medical treatments had ceased, and it was expected that his father would shortly be called home. For a man whose job description involves dealing with death on a routine basis, he managed to deliver this news with a heartfelt, yet matter of fact tone. Quite sombre, yet informative.

Just as he was about to change topic to other matters at hand one of the kindly older blokes jumped up and interrupted "Rev, can I  pray now for your parents?" And it was really wonderful. He spoke this extremely heartfelt prayer. It was so honest and so very genuine. A beautiful prayer of thanksgiving for a life fully lived. Incredibly moving.

I love when things like that happen. The capacity to vocalise the thoughts, feelings and yearnings that we all have within without fear or worry. It was beautiful. Not because it was fancy but because it was right.

It's a cause for some serious introspection.