Today we celebrated the life of my great-Aunt, who passed at the age of 98.  She was a woman who lived life on her own terms but also with a devoted consistency to enriching and encouraging those around her.  It wasn’t until this afternoon that I got a glimpse into the impact she had on a world that was removed geographically from the one I know.  Yet the stories of encouragement were not surprising, as they fit with the woman I knew.

I realized that we often don’t take time to think about the richness of the lives that are lived outside of our own.  We can believe that our worlds are complete without considering the interactions that happen without our knowledge or appreciation.  This is why the notion of potential and the belief that every life is sacred is so important.  We may fail to realize, or fail to experience, the ways that lives intersect.  But like the movie A Wonderful Life illustrated, our stories are not fully our own–they are made up of interactions that we can’t fully appreciate in the moment.

The commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves is more than just good practice–it is necessary as a way for us to realize our potential.  By loving, we encourage the encourager and enrich the lives that will, in turn, enrich ours.  Jesus knew that without our fellow human beings, we are mere shadows of who and what were are intended to become.

My Aunt Jane was a pioneer and inspired me in ways that I never appreciated.  My love of horses, my belief in the power of women a religious leaders, my ability to offer prayers for others all were traits that she exhibited.  How many other people have inspired me without my knowing?  I can only hope that I, in turn, can inspire others.