When our parish Daughters of the King group gave a party to honor our deacon, I was not able to be there, but my gift to her that day was this poem. Katharine's photo could be in the encyclopedia entry next to "Deacon." She truly kept the needs of the World on the hearts and minds of our parishioners, and was always finding ways to help our parishioners share their gifts with people in need.
May your heart be mostly full of joy.
But, though full of joy, when nonetheless it breaks
because you see with Jesus’ eyes
some Little One in pain,
and you can not rest
because the Kingdom is not yet here in its fullness,
may you know that the tears you shed
are precious
and, jewel-like,
reflect the face of the Savior.
May your voice be mostly full of love,
But, though full of love, when nonetheless it breaks
because you cry with Jesus’ voice,
Begging us heed a call to serve,
and you grow hoarse
because the Kingdom is not yet here in its fullness,
may you know that your whisper
also sings to us
and, calling,
speaks the Mind of the Spirit.
May your shoulders be mostly full of strength,
But, though full of strength, when nonetheless they break
because you lift with Jesus’ arms
a child faint with hunger,
and you, too, grow faint
hungry for the Kingdom not yet here in its fullness,
may you know that the body you spend
will be renewed
and will, in the New Day, leaping,
lead us to the Lord of the Dance.
--For Katharine, with deep gratitude,
Mary Johnson
July 27, 2009
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