Thursday, November 11, 2010

Just Passing Through




This world is not my home, I'm just passing through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.


Albert E. Brumley


We were just passing through. It was a few days before Halloween and we were stopped at a light in a busy intersection. I looked out my window at the large cemetary on the side of the highway, and saw this. Out came my camera, and I managed to get a few shots before the light changed and traffic pulled us farther away. I was rather astounded, having never seen a grave actually decorated for Halloween. Once back home and looking at the pictures closely, I saw that the name Amanda is written in the Jack-0-lantern's mouth! So, my friends, this post leaves us all with many unanswered questions. How old was Amanda when she died, and was Halloween her favorite holiday? Did she just die recently? Did she ever go to church? One thing I do know is that the desires of this world are no longer of any interest to Amanda, and if we are a servant of God then this world is a place we only pass through on the way to our ultimate home, a glorious place indeed. And somehow, I don't think there will be any Jack-0-lanterns there. Rest in peace, Amanda.


"The world and it's desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
1 John 2:17

22 comments:

DawnTreader said...

I've never seen anything like it. Children's or young people's graves do tend to get less traditional decorations sometimes. But I've never seen a pumpkin on a grave yet. But then our Halloween traditions are not as pumpkin-filled as yours among the living either.

Annie Jeffries said...

I find this to be a surprise and a delight. Amanda's memory is kept so alive. I wonder what her grave site looks like at other holidays. It must comfort her family to share their undying love for her in this way.

Reanaclaire said...

I must google for Halloween, how it come about.. :)

SquirrelQueen said...

I will admit I have never seen Halloween decorations on a grave either. My first thought before I read your was perhaps this was the grave of a parent or grandparent and the child (possibly children since it looks like that might be another pumpkin on the other side that got knocked over) had made some decorations. If that is the case it takes on a whole different meaning.

All Hallows Eve in some cultures is a time to honor the dead. Lots of questions raised by your photos Ginny.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

this is sad...it makes me wonder too...who was Amanda..who put the jack o lantern there...who loved her so mcuh. What was her life like. Why did she die so young. Your words about life are sooo true.

Anonymous said...

I've never seen anything like this...on the Net I mean. Good you took these shots to share with us. I just want to say...Rest in peace, Amanda.

Arti said...

Thats very interesting, halloween on a grave... We all are indeed just passerbys in this world and our true home is with God...
Have a nice day:)

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

I found encouragement in this post.We are truly just passing through,and the time is so short.
Blessings,Ruth

MadSnapper said...

there is a cemetery in KY that has a mausleum for a young boy that died, when we lived there, we went to see it on every holiday because the parents decorated it for all halloweens. i often wondered if they thought he was there or if they believed in heaven and Jesus. this photo made me sad for those loved ones left behind. I am listening to the song, i started singing it while reading your post and had to go findit. we sang it in church as a child. i love it.

Anonymous said...

Amen Ginny! Life is short and mine is getting shorter ever day.

James 4:14 (King James Version)
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

S. Etole said...

Your inquisitive mind is such a treat! And your thoughts are well shared.

What Karen Sees said...

Lovely, lovely thoughts as usual, and a joyful image as well. Thank you for sharing with us!!!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Ginny, That is a FIRST for me also... I have never seen a grave decorated for Halloween... I guess there is nothing wrong with it --but it was just a surprise...

Even though I do visit the cemetery where my parents are buried on occasion (when I am in VA), I know that they are not there. Their souls are in heaven...

You'll have to check back and see if Amanda's gravesite will be decorated for Thanksgiving or Christmas next...
Hugs,
Betsy

Stephanie V said...

I think that her family want to keep her close to them. It's hard to let go - especially of a loved child. Maybe they share every season and holiday with her.

George said...

This is a first for me, but I can't help but think that Amanda was young when she died. You'll have to check to see if her grave is decorated for other holidays.

srp said...

More and more I think I would like to be cremated and returned to the earth. When I die, I will no longer be here and I certainly don't want any close relatives to feel obligated to visit or decorate any grave. You've said it before... in the end, this world is not our home, the next is soooo much better.

Anonymous said...

Hi Ginny, Your Scripture verse says it all! Great post today! Have a super good day and coming weekend. Thanks for the wonderful blog.

Kilauea Poetry said...

That's a catch! I was surprised while visiting at the cemetary of my first husband in Oklahoma.. that they have pictures on the graves?
I especially like those words!

From the Kitchen said...

I do wonder about Amanda. I have many photos of my family posing at the graves of close relatives--a little odd I think. I've never really visited the graves of my parents. I'd rather visit the places they loved to be.

Best,
Bonnie

LC said...

It seems in the last decade or so that people are decorating the graves of young individuals with more than the flowers that were tradition in earlier years. I have seen pictures and plaques of things the young loved, stuffed animals, but the jack-o-lantern is a first for me, too. It must give comfort to parents and friends. I am thankful for the Comforter that never fails. Your post was thought provoking.

Rose said...

indeed an unusual sight to be seen. rose

Chatty Crone said...

Rest in peace Amanda - I wonder if she was young when she died? I've never seen a pumpkin on a grave either.

I hope she's in Heaven.

And yes, this is our temporary home.

Love,
sandie

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