John 13 12-17 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
This scripture passage always reminds me of Virginia. I cannot remember any time or situation in church where she was not there until of late when she became ill.
Before we moved to Eureka in 2008, Ron and Bob Buege took Jim under their wings They had men’s fellowship together, did odd tasks together and enjoyed each other’s company. It was difficult when we first moved back just after Ron passed not to have either of them there. Jim had been making frequent trips up here and had moved up a couple of months before I could join him.
My first Sunday back, walking into the sanctuary, the first sight before me was Virginia’s smiling and welcoming face. She greeted me with the same “I’m so thrilled to see you!” look that everyone got when they encountered her. She just loved to see people walk in.
The three things that come to mind when I think of Virginia is her playing Hymns at the beginning of the Sunday service, narrations, and the sound of her voice when she prayed in the spirit.
Her narrations, particularly at Christmas or Easter, were always an amazing treat. She had a way to bring a thought or story to life in your mind’s eye just by the talent she had in making it do so.
Because, generally speaking, she was soft spoken, I always thought the spirit praying was someone else. The first time I walked into an evening service a little late due to work, I heard her before I saw her. When I silently slid around the corner to wait, I exclaimed to myself “Oh, my, that is VIRGINIA??” I always believed her prayers were a direct conduit straight to God.
Virginia left a big hole when she left us. There are some people in life who shine brightly, and their very presence creates a soft soothing ripple in the lives of those around them. Virginia was one of those people. She is missed beyond all measure.
As in verse 15 of the scripture above “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” She set the example for all of us. With much love FOR her and TO her church and personal family. Dawn Hodge
