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In this past few weeks I have encountered the movement online!

Particularly with banking, this is becoming the accepted way to do things.  Direct Deposit is being asked for – in the case of the government of Canada, I will have no choice in the near future.  Even church offerings are being placed directly into the bank and the offering plate may become obsolete.

Of course, for some in our society there is no bank that they use.  Particular cases may reach to the poor, disenfranchised, and remote.  The privilege of using a bank is there for a majority, but not for all.  The resolution to this will be interesting to see as it unfolds.

So, beside me right now is an appeal from a company to have me use direct deposit.  The idea of “going green” is one appeal that is made.  Another is the swiftness of payment.  Of course, with the rise in the cost of postage and the attached cost of paper, the company would benefit from not having to send out a cheque!

And so, we move into a new age. 

Someone mentioned that our church service today had a family spirit to it.

The time together included a report from a youth group who went on a short term mission.  Our denominational District Superintendent spoke.  We celebrated communion.  And talked before and after service.

There is something about that type of time together.  A recognition of God, of others and their ministry, of ourselves in community.

Put all that together and it is good to be together!

Reflecting with a number of us who have been around for the last few decades, we are amazed at the previous generation.  Amazed that they are no longer with us.  Or are a shadow of their previous involvement.

I think I have had an unconscious idea that people will live – perhaps on this earth for centuries.  I know that is not supported by reason.  I know that is desired by a closeness and camaraderie that develops over the years.

I would like to magically wish that no one would die.  I would love to have my previous wife, my father, my brother, my church friends, and many others who would walk my daily path with me.

They do not.

Which is why grieving is more than just for a moment.  Yes, in the moment of death, I find that emotions overwhelm, and plans are changed, and life takes on a new look.  But years later, a memory may arise, a familiar situation intrude, and even a celebration be interrupted by the past.  And the wish arises that that person was around.

I believe, with a hope others do not have, that life continues after death.  There is indeed comfort in that.  The Bible talks of that comfort – while placing that thought in the midst of the hardship of a moment where someone’s death is being remembered. 

And so, we have two sides.  Comfort and grief.  Both at the same time.  To try and dismiss one or the other is to miss the fulness of human life. 

May God comfort us, while not being withdrawn from loving memories!

What fun yesterday to sit with a group of seniors (OK, they are of the group of older seniors – meaning mostly over 80).  I asked them a simple question. 

How do you continue to disciple your adult children in the faith of Jesus Christ?  The underlying assumption is that we are never meant to abandon our children – regardless of age, but to always seek to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (a statement that is often used in dedicating children to God).

Now, for some that means that their children are over 60 – and in the senior range themselves.  Others have great grandchildren that are young adults!

Example was the first thing that arose.  Some talked of how their parents had chosen certain actions that expressed their faith in God.  Sabbath keeping, honest practices, family solidarity.  They had themselves maintained active contact with their children (our day and age means often our children do not live in the same place as we do).  For those who spoke, the choice was to make sure their own lives were lived according to their Christian principles.

Other thoughts included prayer, never giving up, service to the children. 

What other ways can parents of adult children continue to disciple their children?