The Fall of Freddie the Leaf, a children’s book written by Leo Buscaglia, is among my favorites. As with many great works of children’s literature, the message is as much for adults as for children. Freddie and the much wiser Daniel are leaves on a tree, watching other leaves fall to the ground one autumn. Freddie admits he fears dying. Daniel reminds him that though they will die, “life lasts forever and we’re a part of it.”
Before Daniel and Freddie fall to the ground, Daniel encourages Freddie to remember their experiences earlier in the year. The sun, the shade, the breeze, the people who came to their tree: these are to be remembered and celebrated.
All Saints Day (November 1) will soon be upon us. We will remember the saints, named and unnamed, official and ordinary, people whose lives helped shape our own lives of faith. Have you thought about honoring or remembering women from your congregation? Name each woman. Light a candle. Share a story or remembrance. It is never out of season to remember those who live and die in the faith and who have been examples for us.
This message is excerpted from “Celebrating the season” by Linda Post Bushkofsky in the September/October 2022 Gather magazine.
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