Rev. Caroline Noll, Associate Pastor
I miss Aunt Michelle.
She was one of the wonderful women that became my family when I married.
We were together at family gatherings, shopping adventures, and she and her family were the only family near us when we lived in Houston.
They took us to eat at some of their favorite restaurants.
One of her favorite adjectives was the word ‘delicious,’ and she was hands down the smartest person in any room.
She died too young after multiple occurrences of breast cancer.
When it was time for her funeral, I stayed home with our oldest, who was still a baby at the time, and Patrick drove many hours across the state with family to attend the service.
He told me about it when he came home.
What I remember to this day was that people talked about how she never complained.
I thought, they are right! I never once heard her complain About anything. Ever.
I don’t think I’m called to be Aunt Michelle. We are each fearfully and wonderfully made. I am called, though, to honor her life.
I am invited to learn and grow from her. I am thankful for her witness that inspires me to do better.
I am thankful for her life and for the nudge I feel when I start to descend the slippery slope of complaining.
I remember her life, and in that moment I remember so much that I have to be thankful for.
When the grocery store has stopped carrying my favorite brand, I am thankful for the abundance of food we have in our home.
When technology won’t play my TV show, I am thankful for leisure time.
When it rains and soaks our shoes, I am thankful for shelter.
When the laundry piles up, I am thankful we have more than one set of clothes.
When I am self-conscious of the medical scars on my skin, I am thankful for access to healthcare.
When one season ends, I am thankful for the new season that begins.
When I am uncertain about the future, I am thankful for God who is always present.
There are times of grief, sadness, anger. We are called to speak up against evil, injustice and oppression.
These words are also needed to move toward transformation. There is a time for these words.
On this day, however, I remember Aunt Michelle who reminds me to look for the delicious moments of life, give thanks for them, and enjoy them.
They are gifts from God.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
First Reflections 