The Artist’s Way

We've all heard stories of intricate ways we are connected to other people…its almost as if we NEED to find these connections….like the places of intersection might be where we encounter meaning.

Sunday afternoon I had the privilege of driving Barbara Hawkins home….her final resting place. All throughout the drive down I looked at the beautiful countryside, the fall foliage, the spectacular colors and incredible terrain…God painted the journey, I felt, just for this special trip. Soaking in the beauty and wonder of the scenery, it seemed a very appropriate way to drive Ms. Barbara home. She had an eye for beauty and wonder, and the gifts to share that with others through her art and photography. I couldn't help but feel she enjoyed this sad journey as much as I.

Her best friend, Jessica, joined me for this last good-bye. We talked and shared stories all the way down…I know fully why the two of them were so close. It was another gift from Ms. Barbara for me to get to know this special woman on that journey. Barbara Hawkins' ashes were laid to rest with her mother, father and brother on a beautiful fall day in a cemetery designed by an artist on a day blessed with vibrant colors only THE original artist is capable of creating…and I will forever carry that portrait close to my heart.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to say my final farewell to such an incredible woman.

Barbara Hawkins will likely bless our congregation in many more ways than most of us will ever know. I look forward to sharing her legacy with future generations of how she loved God, lived life to its fullest and laughed whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Blessings,
Tracy