The sacrament of communion is one of those things I think we will never fully understand while here in this life. Lately it has become infused with an even deeper sense of meaningfulness that stems from part of the portrait of my Grandma Ruth as told by her pastor at her funeral.
He said that to Ruth, communion never seemed just a simple ritual, instead she approached the table each week with reverence. The Sunday before she passed away, he observed her as she received the bread and the cup...there she paused, thoughtful. She took the bread and then turned to the cross and held up her cup as in a salute to Christ, perhaps knowing that soon she would be in his arms and enjoying Him for eternity. What an image this simple story has painted on my heart!
I have received communion 2 or 3 times since and the power of the cross and revelation of Christ--His love of having such a personal relationship with each of us...and my grandmother's peace and confidence in this friendship--have moved me to tears and an overwhelming gush of emotion each time. Partially, I'm sure this is part of the grieving process for me, although I think communion will never be the same in my life.
There is a song by Nicole Nordeman titled Legacy. I love this song on many different levels...as a mother, sister, friend, sister-in-Christ...but today my mind is drawn to it in thinking of Grandma. Here are the lyrics and you can listen to a snip of the chorus here if you click on the icon beside the song...it's number 7:
I don’t mind if you’ve got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who’s who and so-n-so’s that used to be the best
At such’n’such … it wouldn’t matter muchI won’t lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an ‘Atta boy’ or ‘Atta girl’
But in the end I’d like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this worldI want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacyI don’t have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It’s an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroyNot well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, “Well Done” good and faithful one…Nicole Nordeman- Legacy
1 comment:
Thanks for sharing your heart about this. Much of what you said echo's in my own heart as I greive grandma's passing. I have been reading through one of her bibles and have been increasingly revived and encouraged about the actual legacy she has left behind. It is amazing to review in my mind the example of someone who's face was set towards the Father, and seeing page after page that was turned in His word, then marked and reviewed by her own eyes.
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