Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of the passing of my brother. He was a unique individual whose grace of life recalls laughter and loyalty. This past week I have been reminded of others in my family line.
The July issue of a magazine called ALife contains an article by my brother-in-law, Tim Barton. A story well written – with heart (the characterstic of good writing is the ability to reach through words to the centre of a person).
Today I was cruising the net and came across the class schedule for Wycliffe College – the Anglican Seminary in Toronto. My brother, Murray Baker, is teaching a course on Greek there this fall. Always knew he would amount to something. His hope is in this coming year to finish his doctoral dissertation.
Now, if I were to begin on the rest of the family you’d be here all night. I find that we all are unique. Not one of us the same. Some traits appear the same. Bakers have a certain quiet tenacity. Coopers have a certain artistic flair.
So, in the end — when we are at the end — what gets engraved on our tombstones? That’s where a good walk in the cemetery is always insightful. The phrases end up being short – there’s only so much room on the granite!
What would I put on my rock? “He loved Jesus and served those around him.”
I used to think that the passage of time would change my priorities — seasons of life and all that. But I sense my naive 20 year old enthusiasm is the same as my 50 year old mid-life settledness. I could fill the epithaph out more — talking about my wife and family, my work with the church, my devotion to God, my desire to make the place I live a better place than when I first arrived.
But all those life experiences are to be found chisled behind that short phrase. Reminiscent of another phrase contained in a book I read through as often as I can — “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.”