This is an update of a post that I wrote on this day in 2007...
Yesterday, I was thinking about All Saints Day and how for most of my life I've ignored this holiday. Not surprising when you consider the fact that I grew up going to a Presbyterian church where Reformation Day was a big deal. So following a Catholic holiday just didn't fit our profile. History has a way of following us...
As a kid the only thing that I remembered about November 1st was that it was the day after Halloween. I grew up in a home where heading out into the neighborhood to collect a lot of candy was considered a good thing.
But today, living in France, November 1st has a new meaning. I remember getting a clue as to the importance of All Saints Day when I was in Szczecin Poland. I had never seen so many people heading to the cemeteries. So here's an incomplete list the saints that have gone on before me, who left their mark on my life...
Russell and Mathilda Glock, my dad's parents and who set the tone spiritually for their three children and their 10 grandchildren.
Margaret Gray, my mom's mom who lived with us until her death in 1982. Mimi, as she was known by everyone, was a source of joy and laughter.
John Seaton, the first of my childhood friends who was called home. John by nature and necessity (he was diagnosed with diabetes from an early age) was a rock, steady and dependable.
Tom Dean, a fellow student at Emmaus, who left his mark.
John Harper, a professor at Emmaus, who died from liver cancer in 1987. His church history class was a huge blessing.
Paul Sapp, another professor at Emmaus, his class on eccleisiology left its mark. A larger than life character, who showed how important it was to love life.
Carl Glock, a cousin of my father who died too early leaving behind his wife and two small children.
Barbara Clawson, Mrs. Clawson was a wonderful example of faith and perseverance.
Norma Down, words fail when one tries to describe Norma. She was the prototypical Christian Education Director. She was also a dear friend and teacher. After my parents she had the greatest influence on my life.
Melvina Glock, my dear Aunt Mel. Generous, playful, kind she welcomed all into her home.
Nancy Higgins, Sunday school teacher, dear friend of our family. She was always an encouragement for our ministry.
Xavier Rossat, a young life lost. He is missed deeply by his parents and by many others. The testimony given at his funeral stills speaks to many.
Jean Pascal Holle, a sweet and gente homeless man who lived humbly before God.
Irène Toupenot, my dear mother in law. Born in the Cevennes region, descendant of the Huegenots. Her life was not easy. The well know saying of Marie Durand "Resister" could be applied to much of her life.
Thomas Beatty, when I was young I never realy knew him. He was active in our church and the father of good friends who were my age yet... I grew older I realized he and his wife were they type of saints who just quietly and faithfully went about the our calling of loving God and loving others.
Homer Brown, there was always a twinkle in his eye and a ready smile. He knew the peace that only comes from God and it showed.
So there you are. Some of the saints that left an impact on my life. I praise God for their labors.