Halloween is almost here! The annual RLC Halloween party is today and several other Halloween events will be taking place in the community over the next 10 days. 

There are lots of great things about this holiday season. The weather changing to a cooler temperature is one of them. I really enjoy sitting outside on All Hallows Eve when it is cold enough to wear a hoodie and truly appreciate a firepit. This is also an evening when I think about family and friends that have passed away. It is a wonderful night to remember who and where I came from and all of the family and friends that contributed to getting me to where I am today. 

Memorial weekend is the most common time to visit graves and get them cleaned up and spend a bit of time but I prefer doing that during this time of year. The end of October feels like the end of a lifecycle and I really like to take some time around the 31st of October to visit the physical places where family members are laid to rest. I always take some gardening tools and a cup of coffee then spend the morning among the gravestones of my grandparents, great grandparents, great grandmother, and aunts and uncles. It feels like the memories (both good and bad) come back a little stronger when I sit there and think and weed and talk and listen to the breeze. 

One of my favorite Bible verses is Genesis 17:7: I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 

For me it is a reminder that God is with me as God has been with all those who came before me. It is also a reminder that we are all linked in God’s love and God’s desire for us to live a joyful life. When I read this I see a God who deeply cares and wants us to live in love now and in the future. For me, setting time aside to visit the cemetery allows for a stronger past, present and future connection. I believe this is needed to live as God wants us to live.

Blessings to you all this All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. I hope you too find ways to connect with and celebrate all loved ones.