I thought of this word last week in the context of the Class of 2017 and how they would be passing on to another path after graduation. Although, in getting to this point, they had to pass their classes. They should each be proud of their accomplishments that over the passage of time, their efforts paid off with successfully completing this stage of life.
Also, part of the picture I was going to include was the idea of a loved one passing away, and how with gratitude, we should appreciate and understand the things they taught us and how those lessons will never pass away but, instead, be passed on. My childhood babysitter, Joanie, died after suffering with an illness that took her life on earth last month. I was going to emphasize how different the word pass could be applied by using these two examples...and then...
I received news this last Sunday that my niece, Margot, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. She perished, her physical life lost out, and her death came to pass much more quickly and shockingly than anyone could or would have imagined...
In all instances, a sort of test was passed (or not).
Students went through and achieved the steps required to begin a new and exciting journey -- they are now passing over into an adult world and venturing forth into that world of their dreams and aspirations.
As a child, I didn't pass a simple test of respect and my dear babysitter, Joanie, let me know I didn't. When I was about seven years old, Joanie told me and my sister to do something...Susie obeyed, I on the other hand, being stubborn, stuck my tongue out at her in defiance... and Joanie took me to the bathroom and washed my mouth out with soap---I did not pass the respect test, and to the day she died, I was grateful for that lesson learned. Thank you, Joanie.
Sometimes when things get difficult, someone might drop in the conversation the proverbial phrase, "this, too, shall pass..." meaning the hardship is temporary. It's a good reminder; a good gauge of words to help us keep things in perspective....but then something like this happens--the death of a young, beautiful, and smart woman. Margot's passing basically mocks what small essence of truth this phrase means...
With learning valuable bits of knowledge in order to pass a 'test' or swallowing our pride to allow ourselves, through loving discipline, to be molded into a better person, or when facing the seemingly impenetrable walls of grief and pain, it is not by understanding all the answers but in acknowledging and embracing the tough questions that we allow to pass through our minds and hearts which might give us some iota of comfort and wisdom. This, my friends, is probably the toughest test to pass.
This is my final blog post of the school year and I have much to think about. After posting about Margot on Facebook, a comment was written by a former colleague and friend of mine, Jan Bishop:
---"She has apparently passed heavenly Father's final test and learned all she needed to here on earth." Perhaps, however...
These last few days will continue to prompt deep pondering and searching of the questions that will inevitably step forward and unfold into an echo of life's constant and uncertain refrain...for what is true... is that 'we shall never pass this way again...'