Colossians 3:10

Today my mom’s remains were buried in the grave next to my dad’s. For me it’s been a day of grief, introspection, and doxology. Saying good-bye with such finality to someone who loved me as well as she did. Since her death on December 31^st I’ve missed her every day: our daily phone conversations in which she shared stories of her routine and interactions; conversing with her about my hopes and challenges; and always anticipating my next visit with her. But today’s interment overwhelms me with a deep sense of aloneness. She’s gone, and I miss her! This morning I read from Genesis 50 that when Jacob died, Joseph “threw himself on his father and wept over him and kissed him.”  And they “mourned for him seventy days.”  Then at his burial Joseph and his brothers “lamented loudly and bitterly.”  O the loss of a parent who loved you!

At her memorial service on January 4^th, my brother and I read a reflection on her life which ended with these words: “To conclude, as children of two remarkable parents -- Ronnie and Manny George -- we are most fortunate to be benefiting from their faith, wisdom, vision and work ethic, which they shared not only with us and their grandchildren and great grandchildren, but with every person and organization with whom they interacted.  At her advanced age, one of her great delights was the heritage of sincere faith from her and Manny’s parents to their children, to their children’s children, and modeled before their great grandchildren. The evening before Mom died, she told her us that she knows where she is going, that she is ready through her faith in Jesus, and that she is in God’s safe keeping.  Veronica -- your name means ‘true image’ -- and you are now 'maging' the glory of God in his presence. For this, and for you, we thank our Lord.  Amen!”

A doxology whelms up within me is as I remember God’s covenant grace in her life and therefore in mine. During her life she was being renewed after the image of her Creator through the work of Christ on her behalf (Colossians 3:10). And now she is “truly imaging” the glory of God in her heavenly state. O the joy of redemption’s trajectory!

Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this day in your presence and please you more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God, have mercy on me. Amen  from Rev. John Stott’s “Daily Prayer” which my mother inscribed on the inside cover of her daily reading Bible

In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our sister Veronica Mather Hansel George, and we commit her body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless her and keep her, the Lord make his face to shine upon her and be gracious to her, the Lord lift up his countenance upon her and give her peace. Amen  from the Burial Service in The Book of Common Prayer