From Our Pastor

 

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As I write this month’s newsletter article, my ninety-five year old grandmother Grace is in the hospital with pneumonia.  While she has rounded the bend and is starting to feel better physically, this most recent hospital stay has taken its toll on her mentally.  Throughout the day, and especially at night, my grandmother is confused.  She doesn’t know where she is or what day it is.  She sees and hears people who aren’t in the room. She forgets our names.   And she lives in the past, constantly referring, in the present tense, to friends and family members who are long gone.  As you might imagine, my visits with my grandmother and my interactions with her in this present state are absolutely heartbreaking.

 

…Except for one thing. No matter how confused she is, my grandmother knows that I am her granddaughter.  Even when she is not sure of my name, my grandmother knows that it’s me. How do I know?  Because she gives me that adoring look…the look she reserves only for her grandchildren. As I sit with my grandmother, I am amazed at the power of our relationship.  I am in awe, for her love knows no boundaries.  It is a love that transcends time, broken memories, and forgotten names.  What a gift! A s moment to moment her world changes, one thing remains the same- my grandmother’s love for me, and my love for her.

This week, as she has done throughout my life, my grandmother continues to teach me about the love of God.  For like my grandmother’s love, God’s love knows no boundaries.  As St. Paul reminds us, there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God.  God’s love transcends everything.  No matter how forgetful we become, no matter how our bodies fail us, no matter how much our lives change, one thing remains the same…God’s love for each of us.  What a gift!

With love,
Pastor Selover