A Plate, a Parade, and a Song

Four years ago these words introduced an “ode” to my grandkids. Now, the children (all teenagers, one a pre-teen) may feel embarrassed about posing with a plate of cupcakes and being praised for grade school accomplishments, like picking up trash on the playground, ranking high in fifth grade, or writing a story about a traveling pencil. “Not cool!” they would say.

 

The reverse of this plate: “He will take great delight in you. He will rejoice over you with singing.”        Zephaniah 3:17

The blog post began . . .

First of all, there was no parade and no song. But there was a plate, a plate of cupcakes. (You can read more of the post here.)

 

* * *

Mennonite families when I grew up were not big into throwing compliments or marking events with pomp and circumstance. Along the way, however, I have learned the value of making a big deal about celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, and taking incremental steps in publishing my memoir, Mennonite Daughter.

 

A Path of Remembrance

This past weekend, my sister Jean attended the Path of Remembrance ceremony at the Hospice Center, Mt. Joy, dedicating one of the bricks on the pathway to our brother Mark. Of course, it’s a fundraising initiative for the service, but it is also a way to mark the lives of loved ones who were comforted in their care.

 

 

Last year, we accompanied Mark, as far as we could go, on his path from this life to the next. At that time, in May, the hospice center was alive with azaleas. Now, in June, roses are probably blooming.

 

 

 

We remember Mark because he was a kind soul.

We are happy that he feels no more pain.

We have assurance he is still alive, but now in his heavenly home.

 

 

 

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? But thanks be to God, [who] giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.       ~ I Cor. 15: 55, 57

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou are with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”       ~  Psalm 23: 4-5

 

 


What accomplishments in your life do you wish had been acknowledged?

What event (large or small) right now can you pause and celebrate?

 

 

Enjoy the Fourth of July or whatever you celebrate in your part of the world this month!

We’ll connect here again on Wednesday, July 10, 2019.