July 10, 2026

I logged on to Facebook this week under Saint Anne's account to post something or check something, I can't remember exactly what I was doing. But when I am logged in under Saint Anne's account, there are a large number of different church accounts that pop up as You Might Be Interested In.... One such post that came up was from another "Saint Anne's Church". They, sadly, had shared the news of the death of their priest,  whose name happened to be...Jennifer. "Saint Anne's is sad to report that or priest, Jennifer, died earlier this week, surrounded by loved ones." It caused me to do a double-take, that's for certain! The priest looked to be close to my age, as well. Honestly, it was a little eerie.

I've thought about that post several times this week. I've offered prayers for this other Jennifer, and for our siblings in Christ at this other Saint Anne's community, as they navigate their loss. I've also reflected on the fact that we just never know what life will bring. What if that had been me? One day it will be. Have I lived the life I've wanted to live, thus far? Have I been I kind enough, open enough, appreciative enough, generous enough? 

We never know how long we have to be all God calls us to be: to share kindnesses, to delight in the world, to take some chances, to make a difference to someone, to laugh and to forgive and to be grateful as often as possible. I suppose it could be put this way: Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who walk the way with us... Of course, our faith teaches that there is much more to come after our earthy journeys, and I believe that. But for right now, the here and now is important, too. It mattered to Jesus, and matters to us.

My prayer for you this week is that you have for all of the above in the coming week and beyond: time to share a kindnesses, delight in the world, take a chance, make a difference, laugh, forgive, and be grateful as often as possible. My prayer is for you to sense God in each step you take. I do believe that is enough.