All saints day...

Yesterday, I was thinking about All Saints Day and how for most of my life I've ignored this holiday. Not surprising when you consider the fact that I grew up going to a Presbyterian church where Reformation Day was a big deal. So following a Catholic holiday just didn't fit our profile. History has a way of following us...

As a kid the only thing that I remembered about November 1st was that it was the day after Halloween. I grew up in a home where heading out into the neighborhood to collect a lot of candy was considered a good thing.

But today, living in France, November 1st has a new meaning. I remember getting a clue as to the importance of All Saints Day when I was in Szczecin Poland. I had never seen so many people heading to the cemeteries. And so I've decided to list the saints that have gone on before me, who left their mark on my life...

Russell and Mathilda Glock, my dad's parents and who set the tone spiritually for their three children and their 10 grandchildren.

Margaret Gray, my mom's mom who lived with us until her death in 1982. Mimi, as she was known by everyone, was a source of joy and laughter.

John Seaton, the first of my childhood friends who was called home. John by nature and necessity (he was diagnosed with diabetes from an early age) was a rock, steady and dependable.

Tom Dean, a fellow student at Emmaus, who left his mark.

John Harper, a professor at Emmaus, who died from liver cancer in 1987. His church history class was a huge blessing.

Paul Sapp, another professor at Emmaus, his class on eccleisiology left its mark. A larger than life character, who showed how important it was to love life.

Carl Glock, a cousin of my father who died too early leaving behind his wife and two small children.

Barbara Clawson, Mrs. Clawson was a wonderful example of faith and perseverance.

Norma Down, words fail when one tries to describe Norma. She was the prototypical Christian Education Director. She was also a dear friend and teacher. After my parents she had the greatest influence on my life.

So there you are. Some of the saints that left an impact on my life. I praise God for your labors.

Comments

[Ruth Glock Jackson]

Whew! I'm tired. My mother's name is spelled "Lillian," not "Lillion," and I was writing about their 50th wedding anniversary.

[Ruth Glock Jackson]

Matt, I enjoyed reading this. I met you very long ago (1985, perhaps?) when Wayne and I were going back East to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my parents, Edward and Lillion Glock (Edward was the brother of your grandfather Russell, missionary in Africa for more than 33 years).

I'd love to be put on your mailing list, if you want me there.

[Russell Sutherland]

Interesting that I too remember John Harper midst all of the other worthies on your list. I visited Emmaus on three separate occasions, and he was a memorable giant. Going to his house, eating spaghetti, going to the Art Institute and enjoying my first taste of French Impressionists, listening to his lectures on John's gospel... Priceless

[theologien]

Interesting that this came up. We've been having this discussion on and off in our side of La Ville ever since a catholic friend asked us why we don't celebrate La Toussaint. I think this is something that we protestants have done to ourselves, and short-changed ourselves in the process.

I like the way you celebrated it. Maybe we can start something.

[Heidi Renee]

I actually blogged about Saint John today - it brought back so many lovely memories.

[Heidi Renee]

Lovely - a few of those saints left their imprint on my life too. We were just talking about John Harper the other day, remembering that boat load of reading he had us do for Christian Lit.

He was the first teacher to breathe story into my soul. I love him dearly.