Today is the Feast of All Saints. I am drawn to thoughts of those whom I have encountered in my life whom I look to as saintly people. Some of them directly affected my life but others are people I barely know, but their actions were viewed as positive influences.
The first person who came to my mind this morning was Dana. God worked through him or maybe I should say God worked ON him. Though not a perfect man, he did allow God into his life and God worked through him to be an example of a faithful person. ‘Lord, I thank you for allowing me to have had the privilege of knowing Dana!’
When I think of those whom have influenced me, I think about people who are living such as Mike, E, Bob, Fr.Pat and JenJen. They have each been a support or word of guidance during times in my life when I needed it.
This morning at Mass I was also reminded of some of those people whom I have found value and strength by simply being a witness to their practice of faith. John Koch, Art Pfaff, Stephanie Trujillio and Stephanie Whistler. All of whom I came to know because of my involvement at the School but since I wasn’t a part of the St. Charles Parish community, these relationships were unique.
I remember John because of is kindness and support, but mostly because we have been a part of many lives in sacramental moments together. We exchanged fun banter which left each of us with a smile each time we met.
I think of Art because he shows up in my life a lot in strange places; we seem to walk a similar path and are often at the same special celebrations. It makes me wonder if we should have had more of a relationship.
I am grateful to Stephanie T because of her genuine welcoming spirit. She didn’t always ‘fit’ with the other families at St. Charles but she always had a smile and was always jumping into help when and where help was needed. I took for granted her hospitality. I regret not showing her hospitality in return when she got cancer. We were no longer in each others lives but that didn’t mean I couldn’t have reached out to her and support her during her battle. I was selfish!
The other Stephanie, another St. Charles School Parent also lost her battle with cancer. I never had a personal relationship with her but she was very active at the school and everyone loved her. She was also always smiling and seemed to be everywhere all of the time doing what she could to help the teachers and staff. When she died, it was a hard loss for the school, especially for her own kids and their classmates. I remember going to the funeral were everyone was wearing black and I wore a hot pink sweater over my black dress which I remember thinking, ‘wow, this sweater really stands out, but it’s in honor of her cancer fight so I’m not bothered if someone thinks it inappropriate.’ It was a though I’d gotten some courage from Stephanie that day. I never took for granted that I was blessed enough to be able to be in her kids’ lives. Her daughter was in my daughter’s class so when I volunteered in class or went on field trips, I was there. My role as Youth Minister also allowed me time with her son as one of his friends was active at my parish and would come along to activities. The connection goes even further because I seem to see her husband often, at the grocery store, the gym, and we always smile and say hello.
If I made a list of everyone who has influenced my life. I would be prone to list everyone I have ever known, met, and talked to. However to be fair, I can’t list nor remember every single person. I do want to list people I think about and carry with me daily; those who have inspired me to be a better person.
My husband who keeps me honest and on track. He helps me be a better person by encouraging me to be myself. He also shows me the love of Christ.
E, who helps me see myself better by helping me put into words who I am and how I feel. She really encourages me to be my own voice.
Fr. Matthew has helped me find a deeper faith.
Mike models for me a disciple, someone who works to serve God in our humanness; though he’d disagree, his humility just confirms my belief.