“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…”  Hebrews 12:1

by Kristy Manion

Near my house is an old cemetery.
Wind, water, and time have worn headstones clean.
Leaves catch downdrafts. Squirrels scout acorns.
From the sidewalk, bike tires skid and children’s voices echo, shouting to all the world: We are ALIVE!
I marvel as I walk this way:
One day some here, unnamed brothers and sisters in Christ,
Will rise to life.
Life!—heavy with glory.
Life!—humming with electricity.
Life!—more exuberant
Than four-year-olds on training wheels.
I cannot fathom it. But I cannot wait to see it.

Father of all,
Today we place ourselves in your hands.
You who formed the world and all that is in it
Also form us—your people.

You have called us to belong to a great cloud of witnesses—
Some far along in years, whose lives speak your strength;
Some at the beginning of years, whose lives speak your joy;
Some who have died, whose presence we miss
And whose witness we remember.

Thank you for our brothers and sisters in Christ,
Saints living with us, and saints alive with you
Who have followed Christ through death
And into your presence.

Let us run with perseverance the race you have marked out for us,
Encouraged by Jesus the Son and strengthened by the Holy Spirit,
To the glory of the Father,
Amen.

Kristy Manion is a daughter of God seeking to bring him joy day by day. She is married to Josh, the mother of Micah, Isaac, and Amelia, and serves part-time as the minister of discipleship at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.