July 15
Hazel
We all have happy memories of the godly….
Proverbs 10:7a (NLT)
As I pulled my Chrysler into the upper-level parking lot, I had an inkling this would be a special time. The air was fresh, the day gorgeous, and the snow-capped Cascades stood as sentinels. God’s handiwork was on display.
I made my way down the many wooden steps to the lower building. Finally, I entered the sanctuary, and immediately, the buzz of conversation wrapped around me. Friends, relatives and neighbors had gathered to remember Hazel Bowden, a special lady to so many.
It took awhile, but once I made my way through the crowd, I found a seat near the front. After quieting everyone, Pastor John quoted Proverbs 10:7 and said a few words, then eventually, opened the time to testimonies. For almost an hour, people shared their stories of Hazel and her departed husband, Stanley. The things that stood out? She was a godly woman, very musical, and she had spunk—a lot of it.
The happy memories came pouring out:
- Someone said she made being a Baptist fun. That, in itself, said much.
- Another added Hazel’s mother had taught Hazel to play the piano on a cutout, cardboard keyboard … and oh, how she played. She played with gusto! Even in her later years, every Tuesday, she entertained and delighted the patients and their visitors at the local hospital.
- She was generous and kind and loved to give unsuspecting friends rapid-fire kisses.
- She was always to the point. Like when she helped conclude the church business meeting by stating, “Let’s quit flapping our gums and vote on this thing. We all know we want it!”
The stories continued about Hazel and her beloved Stanley—how he taught her to dance on the walls by swinging her just so … about the kids she taught to play the piano and sing—now gifted musicians performing for her one last time.
It was a sweet service full of happy memories and fresh reminders … life as a Christian need not be dull. And this simple truth: our lives can and should influence others for good … just as Hazel’s did. And with God’s help … they will.
Father, give others happy memories as we live joyful, godly lives for You! Amen.
Hazel
We all have happy memories of the godly….
Proverbs 10:7a (NLT)
As I pulled my Chrysler into the upper-level parking lot, I had an inkling this would be a special time. The air was fresh, the day gorgeous, and the snow-capped Cascades stood as sentinels. God’s handiwork was on display.
I made my way down the many wooden steps to the lower building. Finally, I entered the sanctuary, and immediately, the buzz of conversation wrapped around me. Friends, relatives and neighbors had gathered to remember Hazel Bowden, a special lady to so many.
It took awhile, but once I made my way through the crowd, I found a seat near the front. After quieting everyone, Pastor John quoted Proverbs 10:7 and said a few words, then eventually, opened the time to testimonies. For almost an hour, people shared their stories of Hazel and her departed husband, Stanley. The things that stood out? She was a godly woman, very musical, and she had spunk—a lot of it.
The happy memories came pouring out:
- Someone said she made being a Baptist fun. That, in itself, said much.
- Another added Hazel’s mother had taught Hazel to play the piano on a cutout, cardboard keyboard … and oh, how she played. She played with gusto! Even in her later years, every Tuesday, she entertained and delighted the patients and their visitors at the local hospital.
- She was generous and kind and loved to give unsuspecting friends rapid-fire kisses.
- She was always to the point. Like when she helped conclude the church business meeting by stating, “Let’s quit flapping our gums and vote on this thing. We all know we want it!”
The stories continued about Hazel and her beloved Stanley—how he taught her to dance on the walls by swinging her just so … about the kids she taught to play the piano and sing—now gifted musicians performing for her one last time.
It was a sweet service full of happy memories and fresh reminders … life as a Christian need not be dull. And this simple truth: our lives can and should influence others for good … just as Hazel’s did. And with God’s help … they will.
Father, give others happy memories as we live joyful, godly lives for You! Amen.
posted by Craig Soderquist at 9:27 AM
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