Holey, Wholly, Holy

David was a student of mine that went on to glory this week. I had only taught him this past year, so I didn’t’ know him well, but he was part of my life. He was a storyteller. He’d wrap you into the telling and, although I knew we needed to keep going with the class, I didn’t want to interrupt him because I knew the winding path would be worth the point in the end. And he really did not like being interrupted once he started!

I love the image of a Living Patchwork Quilt. Each person is woven into our lives. Some are a part of every aspect of our journey and their square pattern can be seen everywhere. Others have less impact but are still part of the quilt – maybe just a tiny stitch that held us together at one point. But without each and every square, stitch, and the batting we would unravel. We are made through the interactions we have with others.

This week many cultures honored the dead in the days after All Hallow’s Eve. In Mexico Día de los Muertos has been celebrated for thousands of years. In the Christian tradition All Saints Day is celebrated. These celebrations provide a space for families to connect with those who have died and remember the impact they had while living. They remind us who we are and who we come from. People impact us and provide a guiding light for how we might live to the fullest. How we respond to their presence indicates how large their patchwork square might be in our Living Quilt.

It’s also important to consider that there are negative squares woven into our lives, as well. This could be a bad relationship with a family member or friend. But what we do with that square is up to us. We can allow that negative energy to become our response. Or we can consider the impact and change to be light and life instead of anger and hurt, altering the square to be something better.

Who holds a square of your Living Quilt? How do you live your life now in honor of your relationship with them? Today, light a candle in memory of that person – or persons, and take some time to remember their impact on your life.