Life Lived Between The Dust

I've been thinking this past week about the words spoken on Ash Wednesday, "From dust you come, to dust you shall return." We hear these words every year as a Cross of Ashes is placed on our foreheads. I wonder how often these words so familiar to my/our ears are reflected on afterward.

This past week marked the anniversary of my beloved friend's memorial. Susan lived a full and vibrant life of nearly 70 years. She was a wife, companion, mother, foster mother, grandparent, animal lover, therapist, writer, and during her off and on battle with cancer a champion to many near and far. She lived her life passionately, with love, compassion, tears and laughter. In the end, Susan was cremated and "returned to the earth as dust." Yet I believe her spirit lives on.

I can say assuredly, having known Susan for over 34 years, that during her lifetime between “coming from dust and returning to dust” Susan was a blessing to more people than she could have ever known. Susan was Jewish. She loved God and reflected on her life as a gift....before and during her illness.

During a recent group meet, we talked about the miracles found in 'ordinary days.' So what do I reflect on in all this.....how do I spend my time in the ordinary dailyness of “coming from and returning to dust?” Do I spend enough time 'just being' with God and sensing God's presence in my life in the midst of, and outside familiar daily happenings?

We each have a path to walk....it's my hope that I am ever mindful of walking this path, between and in the midst of dust, with God. What about you?

Shalom,
Susan Moss