A beautiful life

Matthew 15:21-28

          I went to a wake yesterday for an old friend, someone I had shared many cups of tea and long talks with.  If ever there was a woman to be admired, it was her. She was the life of the party, did not mince words and was loving, compassionate and filled with a zest for life. She was a wonder, a great woman, wife, mother and grandmother and many will miss her physical presence even though her real presence will be felt forever.

           Here's the thing, she died of cancer and there was no shortage of people praying for her to get better.  Perhaps we got too cocky when she did so well initially, better than most anyone else would have with her diagnosis. Perhaps there is a miracle in that, in how long she was able to grace our lives and love her granddaughters and family in spite of her illness.

            But why was the Canaanite woman so blessed when so many faithful were praying for our friend?  It just does not make sense to me. None of it makes sense to me.  I know that part of it must be my limited vision, a lack of understanding perhaps. Maybe I don't have as much faith as I think I do.  

             Aside from not knowing why this happened, there are a few things that I do know. One is that we were incredibly blessed to be graced by her presence. We are not owners of any life, not even our own.   God has 'called home' if you will, a beautiful soul and we should appreciate the time we did have. That brings us to the next thing, try to appreciate everyone in your life right now.

            Kaye was 3 years younger than me. You never now when your time will come. Appreciate, cherish and live life to the full every moment you are graced with. Come to think of it, that was Kaye's life.

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.