Rev Bill

I posted yesterday about Halloween.   

Today, November 1, is All Saints Day. It began as a day for celebrating all the Saints who did not have their own special Feast Days. People then began to use it as a time to remember those who had died who had made a difference in their lives. Some churches — mainly those of a more liturgical nature such as Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, and even some Methodists and Presbyterians have special services on All Saints Day — or the closest Sunday to November 1 — to remember the lives of those who have died and celebrate the difference they had made in the lives of those who knew and loved them.  I plan to attend a service at St. Thomas Episcopal tonight.

There is a good post at Monastic Mumblings about All Saints Day the is worth checking out.

I tend to broaden the idea of All Saints Day. 

I tend to use this as a day to remember not only those who have died who made a difference in my life — but also those who are still alive. And so on this day I lift up prayers of praise for: Dad, who died 3 years ago, but who made a profound impact on who I am and what I do — Mom, who is still very much alive, and still making a difference in my life — Grandad — who was a Methodist minister and died before I knew him, but whose legacy still lives on — my wife Sally, who must be a saint for putting up with me for over 22 years — the members of Wentworth Presbyterian Church, who must be saints for putting up with me for 21 years — and so many others who have touched my life and shaped me.

Most of all I thank God for the love, grace, and forgiveness I have been shown throughout my life.

However you spend All Saints Day, try to spend a few moments praising God for those — living and dead — who have made a difference in your life.

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