A Life as a Tapestry
I had news this morning that a friend from a parish I worked at had died. This was no ordinary woman - she was well into her eighties and had raised her children - lots of them - and then quite a few grandchildren too. I met her when she and her husband were in the midst of raising teenage grands. I have so many funny stories of this family - and touching ones too. There was something about Janice that made me think of her as a people collector and I told her that once and she said, “You never know if you’re going to see people again, so you have to make your time with them matter!” She always found something to affirm in people and went out of her way to tell them what she saw in them. It always ended with a hug - which she asked permission first to bestow. She was a true missionary disciple.
I often think about my encounters with people and wanting to make them matter. It’s easier said than done of course. Sometimes we are tired, haven’t noticed opportunities, in a bad mood or just full of our own concerns that we feel we have nothing to give. Janice would laugh at that. She would do what she could. It might mean telling a person alone at mass or coffee and donuts that they could sit with her and her family or meet up later to chat. She often complimented people on a beautiful scarf, shirt, smile, jacket… she would look for that beautiful thing, name it and share it.
I feel like there is a formula for missionary discipleship in Janice’s life. Looking from the outside, her life was a beautiful well -made, sturdy and practical tapestry - woven with bits of earthy colors - reminders of trips to Estes Park and the great outdoors. There would be bits of gold and silver - all her children, grands and great grands who were her heart. There would be some threads that are muted- signs of being well -worn and well-loved like their home where gatherings with family and friends were held. The sparks of color - woven throughout the tapestry is all the lives she touched. She loved to thrift - and met people she could uplift and affirm, talk with and share her love of people with. Her hugs are legend. She offered them generously, but authentically. It was her way of witnessing her faith. She loved people like Jesus did - seeing in them the image of God. She didn’t discriminate - everyone was someone and she would remind them of that.
My life and yours are a tapestry too. What is the design you have been weaving? What threads are woven in and out regularly and which are surprises or occasions of sorrow or joy? I hope that mine is as intricate as Janice’s. I hope that her formula for missionary discipleship becomes my way of life too.
Be ready for encounters.
Notice people in need of kindness, attention, affirmation, or anything at all
Think about what you have to offer and then do it, graciously, without fanfare and authentically.
Leave people feeling better for having met you.
Remind them that God loves them.
It seems like Janice understood St. Francis - “preach the gospel and if necessary use words.”
I pray that as your life and mine continue on - that we assess our life’s tapestry and see what colors , textures or designs are missing and be open to all those things being added in to make it rich, beautiful and a legacy when we are called home too. Godspeed Janice Reed - faithful servant!
Peace,
Jane
