Obits

 My husband receives the Harvard alumni magazine.  I usually read through a few of the articles about faculty research and campus activities, but what really fascinates me are the obituaries. As graduates of a renowned university, many alums go on to noteworthy careers in medicine, academia, statesmanship, and entrepreneurship.  There are very few remaining grads from my parents' generation, but, almost to a person, they served their country in WWII and Korea, even if they had to return later to finish college. If someone graduated with any type of honors, it is noted beside their name and year. Rather than being a ghoulish activity, this time spent with the deceased reminds me how many of the privileged among us pour their lives into worthy endeavors.  Their early years dictated that many who attended Harvard would have access to a 'big stage'. I know there are shameful remnants of our country's past, especially among racial minorities, but some seem to live by the mantra "to whom much is given, much is required".

Lord Jesus, Yours is not a kingdom of "haves" and "have nots". There is no privilege due to wealth, intelligence, connections, or even sheer luck in heaven. But we do learn through Scripture of people like Joseph of Arimathea who stepped forward at critical times to further Your plan. Help us all to use our resources to Your glory, whatever those resources may be - time, talent, money, inspiration, dedication, and education. Bless those who teach and those who learn in all schools that truth and integrity may inform our common life.

Amen