Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus… – Hebrews 12:1-2a
“I sing a song of the saints of God,
patient and brave and true…” – (Lesbia Scott, 1929)
While Halloween has never offered much to interest me (especially the macabre or horror slant many people enjoy), Rebekah and I do always put out a couple of pumpkins and we are generous with candy for those who enjoy the fun.
But today – All Saints Day – is something that holds increasing meaning. Maybe it is because the older I get the more people I know who have passed on into eternity, or maybe it is because both my parents have recently died? Regardless, I am all about recognizing the spirit and the life of those who have gone before.
To that end I have been second-guessing myself regarding my mum and dad. Not in a bad way so much as the understanding that the end of their lives was an epic struggle at times, and I genuinely hope that I gave them enough of the love and the encouragement and the validation that they needed.
Because I was so very tired a lot of the time over those last five or six years, and I know I could have been more patient, and neither one of them were able to offer much in the way of “we appreciate all that you do,” and sometimes I run across a photograph and I see the pain in their eyes and I can’t help but wonder.
Real-life saints!
So what makes somebody a saint, you may well ask? I believe we all qualify. “Saint” means holy, or set aside for God – sanctified. This is precisely why Jesus came and shared his winsome invitation for us to “come home.”
But some, in my estimation, carry the appellation with a little more credibility. And this brings me back to my parents; Grace and David Maul are shoe-ins for All Saints Day recognition. Rebekah’s parents, Bob and Nell Alexander, too.
So here is my take on this day of thinking about and of recognizing the real-life saints we have been privileged to know and to experience:
Please – and especially if you knew someone with the bona fide saint-cred of a Grace, a David, a Nell or a Bob – set aside some time today to give thanks for their presence in and contribution to your life. Then talk with God for a moment about how their example might possibly rub off on you.
Saints in Action:
But don’t mistake this for a salvation by works message. Not at all. I am simply advocating for some salvation in practice. In other words, why wait for heaven? Let’s get our saint on now. This broken world sure could use a little more of that!
Peace – and more saintliness – DEREK
For all the saints who from their labors rest,
who Thee by faith before the world confessed;
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia, Alleluia! - William Walsham How (1864)
Thank you Derek. I love the photo of your Mother and Father taken in about 1950. They didn’t look very different when they led the Ichthus youth group at Rendezvous Street Baptist Church in Folkestone in the late 1960s, the time when I attended. I was in the garden at your house with the youth group at 12 Avereng Road after the evening service on Sunday 2 July 1969. Why do I remember it? Because your mother came out to tell us that man had landed on the moon for the first time. I will always be grateful to your parents. God bless. John
John!! How amazing to hear from you. And thanks for your kind words about mum and dad. I will always be grateful for your dad, Alan (and Kitty too), as he was probably the closest and most consistent friend my dad had in Folkestone. I am guessing that, like my parents, they have both passed on into eternity.
Catch me up a little on things: What did you go on to do for a career? Are you living in Folkestone? How is Valerie? My email is Derekmaul@gmail.com I will shoot you an email so we don’t have to extend this conversation in the comments section!
Peace – Derek