I had a couple of committal services today (in 2 different cemteries). As is my habit I arrived early to make sure all was ready and find where the grave was. This also gave me time to wander around. And that time reminded me of something. There is just something about cemeteries I like.
It goes back years actually. WHen I was growing up we often went to church weekends at a place called Rundle's Mission. At the back of the site is a municipal cemetery. Every year one of the first things we did was go and visit the cemetery. It was just a part of the weekend and it wasn't complete without at least a couple walks through.
Part of it is wandering around looking at names and dates and wondering about the stories behind them. Part of it is the peacefulness of the place. And part of it is a sense of the Holy One being very present.
Last summer when I went on retreat the retreat center was next to the oldest cemetery in town. Each day I spent a couple of hours or more wandering around the cemetery and found it very invigorating.
TOday wandering around I found that it provided a welcome break. Is it odd that I treasure time looking at graves???
I find cemetery visits very relaxing also. I'm not sure why - perhaps it is the quietness, but it's deeper than that.
ReplyDeleteI don't find it odd at all.
I don't find it odd either- to borrow a Celtic analogy I sense that cemetries are tin places where heaven and earth are very close- and somehow that makes sense!
ReplyDeleteWe had a family outing a couple of weeks ago in a park, and it included an unplanned visit to an adjacent cemetery. It was time well spent.
ReplyDeleteI too am drawn to cemeteries. The feeling of being on sacred ground and the profound sense of being in the presence of God. And oh yes, the stories. I always wonder about the stories.
ReplyDeleteRight there with you. The summer that I lived in NoVA, Arlington was about the only place I could find peace and quiet!
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