An Instrument

Lord, make me an instrument of they peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.  Grant that I may not so much seek to understand as to be understood; not seek to be consoled, as to console; not so much seek to be understood as to understand; not so much to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.                                 St. Francis of Assissi

We lost our last remaining aunt this week, my aunt Joanne.  Joanne’s father was a Methodist minister, she played the piano and the organ, sang beautifully, was the choir director of our church for 55 years, and the choral director at my high school for 30 years.  She touched so many lives in so many different ways, and she was an inspiration to many, including me.

She, my uncle, and three cousins grew up next door to my family in my hometown, and there are so many memories associated with those years.  On any given night, you could find the four adults sitting around the piano while Joanne played in our living room singing, laughing, and enjoying the fellowship.  You pick the song and Joanne could play it!

From the day Randy and I told her we were getting married, she was a constant cheerleader for the minister and his wife.   I’ve never forgotten her encouragement, support and love.  I will miss her greatly.

She and my mama did a beautiful musical arrangement of the quote above, and I think the words fit her perfectly.  She lived a life of giving, not only, to her husband, her sons, their wives, her grands, her great grands, her church, her community, but also to her God.  Her faith, beauty and love, are unequaled.

The heavenly host gathered with her now are having a great time making music.  The choir is growing and making incredible praises in song because the “coach” is there!