Thanks for this piece Ben. Death certainly makes one reflect perhaps like nothing else can. Two things linger in my mind (amongst several others).
* Days, even hours and moments of our days, are to be valued, appreciated, respected and enjoyed.
* Memories are made up of a whole variety of things (the special times will always remain special). However, on reflection, the really formative things lie in time spent together doing the ordinary, everyday stuff. That's where the attachment seems to be carefully created.
I think your mum would now give one of her heart warming smiles when watching the many seeds planted with great thought, kindness and intention into the lives of such as you and her family, her friends and the stranger on the street. Soon after your mum died, I wrote down three things that I saw in her that I mustn't forget.
Worship God (in every way) with passion and in particular:
* Actively do what is within your means to help the poor and the oppressed
Thank you for the lovely comment Harry! You're so right. The memories that stick with us are often the most random unplanned things rather than anything we meant to remember. Beauty thrives in spontaneity.
The Lord is my portion, says my soul. He remembers me.
“I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”
Psalm 142:5
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”
Psalm 16:5-6
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:25-26
“Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword, from men by your hand, O Lord, from men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure; they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants. As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.”
Psalm 17:13-15
“But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
See Kingsley Amis’s distinction between the physical and metaphysical hangovers….the 2 are usually congruent, however, in my experience the second tends to last longer.
Jews have Yahrzeit (candle of remembrance) and placing rocks on headstones. (Despite being Christ followers, we do this for our close relatives). And of course, just watch “Coco.” It’s very human to want a connection to the living world when we are gone.
Sure, see it. It's Pixar...my niece works for them. Watch to the very end. The filmmakers included pictures of their relatives who passed on, in memory of them. Basically the same theme you wrote about here.
By the way, thanks for recommending ‘The Hall of Uselessness’… It’s proved to be a very good read! I wondered if you have read ‘From the Holy Mountain’ by W. Dalymple. It ties in with the themes of religion, being remembered, etc A wonderful book.
Wonderful piece. I’m a fan of your work
Thank you Marek! Very glad to hear that
Thanks for this piece Ben. Death certainly makes one reflect perhaps like nothing else can. Two things linger in my mind (amongst several others).
* Days, even hours and moments of our days, are to be valued, appreciated, respected and enjoyed.
* Memories are made up of a whole variety of things (the special times will always remain special). However, on reflection, the really formative things lie in time spent together doing the ordinary, everyday stuff. That's where the attachment seems to be carefully created.
I think your mum would now give one of her heart warming smiles when watching the many seeds planted with great thought, kindness and intention into the lives of such as you and her family, her friends and the stranger on the street. Soon after your mum died, I wrote down three things that I saw in her that I mustn't forget.
Worship God (in every way) with passion and in particular:
* Actively do what is within your means to help the poor and the oppressed
* Be hospitable, generous and kind
* Respect and enjoy creation
Thank you for the lovely comment Harry! You're so right. The memories that stick with us are often the most random unplanned things rather than anything we meant to remember. Beauty thrives in spontaneity.
The Lord is my portion, says my soul. He remembers me.
“I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”
Psalm 142:5
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”
Psalm 16:5-6
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:25-26
“Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword, from men by your hand, O Lord, from men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure; they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants. As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.”
Psalm 17:13-15
“But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Galatians 6:14
See Kingsley Amis’s distinction between the physical and metaphysical hangovers….the 2 are usually congruent, however, in my experience the second tends to last longer.
True! I'd forgotten that.
Jews have Yahrzeit (candle of remembrance) and placing rocks on headstones. (Despite being Christ followers, we do this for our close relatives). And of course, just watch “Coco.” It’s very human to want a connection to the living world when we are gone.
I've never seen the film. Recommended?
Sure, see it. It's Pixar...my niece works for them. Watch to the very end. The filmmakers included pictures of their relatives who passed on, in memory of them. Basically the same theme you wrote about here.
A very thoughtful piece of writing…. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us Ben. Keep at it!
Thank you Gail!
By the way, thanks for recommending ‘The Hall of Uselessness’… It’s proved to be a very good read! I wondered if you have read ‘From the Holy Mountain’ by W. Dalymple. It ties in with the themes of religion, being remembered, etc A wonderful book.