“Saints Alive!” That was an exclamation my mom would make when she was astonished by something. “Saints Alive!”, she would say instead of other expressions of dismay or delight. Today is All Saints Day. It is the day that follows All Hallows Eve or Hallowe’en. All Saints Day recognizes those who have spent their life open to God and sharing God’s light and love to others.
I love All Saints Day because it encourages me to lift my eyes up from the drudgery of the day-to-day and think about those people who have influenced me. The list is long and once I get started it is hard to stop naming those who have had a hand in shaping the person I am. The formative years are populated with saints like grandparents and parents, teachers and group leaders, who were mentors and role models for me. But, once on a roll, I can’t help but think of those whose lives touch mine everyday. People wo have known grief and pain and yet somehow manage to keep the faith and offer solace to others. People who have a blithe spirit that carry me along to delight in the simple joys of everyday. People who give hours to volunteer service and would never think to say “no” to an opportunity to help in the community. People who teach and heal and lead and serve.
Over the past few months I have been carried emotionally and spiritually by the many saints in my family and those who surround me here in my community. I have been reminded over and over of the power and strength of community. We do not face things alone. We may feel alone but we are not alone. There are saints alive all around us who strengthen and companion us when we face both good days and bad. They are the people who help us get through things and remind us of all that is good. I am so grateful on this All Saints Day to be surrounded by the powerful witness and support of so many saints. All Saints Day doesn’t provide candy like its twin Halloween but it does add a sweetness to life just the same!
I love that saying! Going to start and use it.