For Gladys

I've just returned from the funeral of a dear lady named Gladys Dimmick. She was the longtime secretary/assistant for Judge Dickson Phillips whom I clerked for right after law school when he was the on the 4th Circuit Ct. of Appeals. I always knew Gladys, as well, just sweet ole' Gladys. Always kind, thoughtful, helpful, good natured. But how little I really knew of her remarkable life! She was one of 10 children, and her parents were apparently wonderful, hard working folks who struggled and worked hard manuel labor jobs to provide for their 10 beloved children. The Judge spoke at the funeral and said all her long life, Gladys referred to her parents with incredible love and respect, and she honored them and their memory all her life. It made me think of my own dear parents and their great legacy of love and wisdom and honor. O how I pray that my children would so speak of my husband and me when we are gone, but, frankly, I so often can see only my myriad flaws and weaknesses as a parent, wife and woman of God. Help me, Lord Jesus!

But I was also struck and convicted by how little I knew of Gladys' remarkable life--she was one of the first women to serve as an air traffic controller during World War II. She was stationed in Norfolk, I believe, and served as part of the Navy. She loved the Navy and was so proud of her service that she wanted that great naval hymn to be sung at her funeral. She worked all her life and loved what she did and invariably maintained her good humor and gentle ways and yet was able to always be on top of things. She was sharp and bright and yet so humble and gentle. You'll never read about her in People magazine or the New York Times, and yet what a quietly ordinary, yet extraordinary life.

I guess I write all this, because I'm sad that I didn't make more of an effort to keep up with her or learn of her life. How easy it is to get so busy and preoccupied in our own lives that we miss the joy of really knowing and focusing on others. Every life is remarkable in it's own way, and our Saviour died for each of those precious, unique lives. How, then, can we not seek to know and care for and invest, even in some small way, in those lives? Even if it simply means that we genuinely look into the face of those bagging our groceries and give them a smile and moment's full attention. Or that we take a minute to pray for that harried clerk or exhausted mom. Or that we jot that quick note or make that phone call to encourage that lonely older person or that one bowed down with life's cares. Christ died for that homeless man on the street and that rude driver who cut you off and that forgotten woman at the nursing home just as surely as He died for the likes of you and me. Forgive me Lord for how often I fail to act on the Spirit's promptings when it comes to showing love or care for Your dearly loved children.

So right now, I thank You Lord for dear Gladys and the difference she made in so many lives. I thank You that she is now reunited with her beloved husband and with so many others enjoying the glories of heaven. And Lord, give me a glimpse of Your heart and enable me to love as You love, care as You care and forgive as You forgive. As John Wooden once said, help me to "Forget favors given; remember those received." Only a heart preoccupied with Christ and not self can do that. Lord, I know I cannot do it... but You can, and You live within me. So Lord, empty me of me, myself and I and fill me with glorious You! And to You, and You alone, be all the glory. Amen.