Alexander's Ragtime Band

Acts 17:28,32 – For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. (KJV)

1 Corinthians 15:51 – Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. (KJV)

We have known each other since early childhood, she and I. Our piano-playing mothers sometimes spelled each other off in their little community band, augmented by saxophone, drums, guitar, and accordion.

We've lived our lives along much different paths. She has travelled and lived all over the world. My residences have spanned but two provinces. Every four or five years I track her down, just to keep in touch. Such was the case awhile back, upon hearing of her mother's passing. She was happy to hear from me. She told me how very much she missed her mum, and that she had come to the conclusion that this is all there is. When we're gone, that's it.

"Face it, Mary," she said, "Our mums just aren't up there having a wonderful time playing Alexander's Ragtime Band!"

Perhaps not; perhaps the "pianos" are different where they are. Some say that there are other worlds in which to sing or play. People's perceptions of what happens and what we do when we get to where we're going are wide and varied.

As Christians, we believe that we will see Christ, our foundation; that we will be reunited with our loved ones; and that we will have everlasting life. We believe that, though our physical presence dies and returns to dust, the essence of what makes us who we are, never dies, it merely changes — as surely as a beautiful jar, shattered to pieces of pottery, takes on a new form when molded into something as solid as stepping stones lovingly placed in a special garden.

Prayer: Good and gracious Father, whose presence is evident in the bright sunlight, the gentle breeze, birds in trees, and dewdrops hanging from leaves, grant that Your light will shine through our actions when offering comfort and peace to those who do not know You. In Your name we pray. Amen.

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