It’s a little late for New Year’s resolutions. Whatever I might have resolved, I’ve probably already blown it for the year anyway. Going into 2018, I realize two things about why this annual desire to be a better person fails:
- I try to do it all on my own.
- I focus more on what I want to stop doing than what I want to start.
I went to a celebration of life today for a woman who lived life as a gracious example of how to be a better person. She was described as being determined, faithful, kind, fun, loving, and a true lady. Gwen Puryear was a member of Edge Memorial UMC, the church I served before moving to Fleming Island. Even though I haven’t stayed in touch, Gwen continued to send me birthday and Christmas cards. I got a card from her a few weeks ago, then learned this week that she had died suddenly of liver cancer. In her last days in hospice, she faced death with the same sense of peace and assurance that she had in life.
As churches are changing and we focus on reaching new people in new places, there is something very beautiful about the old established churches that have mature Christians with deep roots, who have lived through the many decades of a changing world. Gwen was always kind to me and supportive of my ministry. She was always looking for new ways to spread love and kindness to people around her.
As I think about the opportunities to grow in the new year, I recognize the importance of those who have been part of my journey. Some are in past chapters, where we may only connect with the random Facebook updates, but each one has contributed to my life and my character. Gwen meant a great deal to me and I’m not sure I realized how much until I heard that she had died.
I also want to live more fully into the relationships that are part of my current journey. There are beautiful people in my life right now. In this new year, I hope to more fully cherish our time together.
I usually have a theme word for the year. A colleague posted her word as “focus.” I’ve decided to co-opt her word and try to focus in on everything that has been a little blurry in the past year.
Gwen’s service today inspired me to connect more fully with the people around me and to begin doing those things I have wanted to do, but have just not gotten around to doing. I love that Gwen could face the end of her life without any regrets, knowing that she allowed God to work through her to reflect God’s divine image, making her the truest version of herself.
A person who is faithful, determined, loving, and graceful is the person I want to be.
Heather, as usual this is beautifully written, and I am so sorry about the loss of your dear friend. I also lost a lifelong high school friend suddenly, who died while playing golf…her name was Joan. I miss her, but am sure she also died at peace as she had four beautiful sons and daughters in law, who I am good friends with. I still miss you here at FUMCO and wish you were leading our choir. Be happy and know that wherever you are those you lead are lucky to have you. Love, Sue Brady