Wednesday, October 10, 2018
“Therefore, since we are
surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip
off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us
up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews
12:1, New Living Translation)
All Saints Day is
not until November 1st, but I have been thinking about a few saints
who, over many, many years, have surrounded our family and invested their love
and time in our lives and ministry.
There was Marian Marr
in Wainfleet, with Marian always an eager babysitter for baby Nicholas. In
Montreal there were Bill and Nora Boulet or Marian Lane who took extra care of
our children and us. In Ottawa we were “adopted” by Naomi Andrew or “Omi” as
young Nathaniel called her who was like a grandmother to our children and held
a very special place in our hearts. These are just a few of the saints who have
graced and blessed our lives. We will never forget them for their generosity,
love and kindnesses.
But there are two
more who must be mentioned. They are Kay and Roy Porteous who are Susan’s Aunt
and Uncle, Kay being the sister of Susan’s mother. Roy, at the age of 82, died
suddenly last week of pancreatic cancer. They live about a half hour outside of
Ottawa. When we lived in Ottawa in the early 90s, Kay and Roy were virtually
our kids’ alternate set of grandparents. Quietly and generously they embraced
our family in so many wonderful ways.
There were family
dinners at their home or cottage. There were boat rides and sea-doo rides on the
Rideau River, allowing young Nicholas even help steer the boat. They looked
after toddler Nathaniel on one of our trips to Florida. They have attended many
a birthday party over the years. They have travelled to all of our children’s
weddings.
Roy was a
wonderful man, always eager to help or serve others. He was deeply involved in
his community. We didn’t really realize what a musician he had been until yesterday
at his Service of Thanksgiving (as my father-in-law described it). He played
the saxophone for a band, back in the day, at one of the local establishments. He
was an active and involved Christian at the Osgoode Baptist/Vernon United Church.
But really his
sainthood (he would probably humbly scoff at the notion) was based on a
strong character of faith, sensitivity, compassion and caring. He never looked
for praise or credit. He had a quiet and dry sense of humour and seemed, at times
unflappable. He was open-hearted and open-minded, never judgmental or even critical,
except for the occasional wry comment about something. He was generous with his
time, with his gifts, with his service.
Once, when they
were visiting our home here in Peterborough, the kitchen sink suddenly started
leaking. Before we knew it, Roy was under the sink, finding the cause of the
problem and making a temporary fix until we got the plumber in.
Saints inspire us,
lead by example and encourage all of us to be better people. Saintliness is not
about piety, pomposity, religiosity, or pretentious shows of “look-at-me” works.
I recall Jesus’ disappointment in the Pharisee strutting around the temple boasting
of his righteousness: “I thank you, God,
that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and
I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast
twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.” (Luke 18: 11-12, NLT)
The other person in this parable is meek and humble, a sinner. But Jesus
commends the humility and modesty of this man: “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble
themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14, NLT)
Think about the
saints in your life and be thankful! Better yet, who might need your saintliness
these days?
Dale
No comments:
Post a Comment