In memory of James Todd Martin
 
As we celebrate and reflect on Todd Martin's life, we each have special thoughts and memories.   Todd's life had many facets, each reflecting the light of his being that endeared him to us all.  For those in Scouting… and for those who shared his interests in nature… we can't think of our young friend without thinking of the outdoors.  Whether we are a camping companion, hunting partner or one of the hundreds of younger Scouts or Camp Stewart campers mentored by Todd, we will always associate our relationship with Todd… with the great outdoors… and we'll recall the extraordinary reverence this fine young man had for nature and all living things.
 
If you were close to Todd ...  you have probably shared profound thoughts with him around a fire.   Todd loved the Aggie Bonfire and all its traditions.  However, most of the fires we have shared are smaller fires…  Perhaps a cooking fire on a Scout outing… a campfire lighted for no other purpose than the fellowship and thoughtful conversation it fosters… or perhaps we've shared a fire… in the backyard chimenea or in the Martin fireplace.
 
Let's focus on those fires for a moment… the smell of wood smoke… the sights and sounds discovered in the glowing embers is an experience and sensation we share with our most ancient of ancestors.   Jesus and his disciples shared that very same spectacle.  Often as I stare at the flames and embers, I imagine that troop of brothers, who most certainly received some of their most important lessons and inspiration from our Savior, while gathered in the fellowship of a campfire.  The reflections we see in a fire today… are just as they were then… and provide connection to earlier times… and memories.
 
One of the true blessings we share at times like this, is the gift of memories.   Our faith-life is made up of activities, ceremonies and symbols that help us to focus on our relationship with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit… and the remembrance of his message of salvation, grace and the promise of life eternal. 
 
As we all grieve for our loss...  it can only be for ourselves… for we know, through our faith… that the life we celebrate today… an exceptional and fulfilled life… is now in the loving hands of God… and Todd Martin is fulfilled in ways we can only imagine.   Todd is very much alive.  He does not sleep.
 
We can all recall our own memories of this young man who had a passion for helping others, an un-ending love for his family and friends and a profound respect for God's handiwork.   When we long for his company… we need only step outside… or pet a dog… we need only to look deeply into the campfire… and his spirit, through those memories, returns and warms us.

I think… that, if Todd could speak to us today, he might cite a simple Native American prayer to bring comfort to his family and friends:
 
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
________________________
O Great and Holy Spirit
   whose breath gives life to the world,
   and who's voice is heard in the soft breeze:
We need your strength and wisdom and comfort.
Help us to walk in confidence.   Give us eyes
   ever to behold the beauty of the sunrise.
Make us wise so that we may understand
   what you have taught us.
Help us to learn the lessons you have hidden
   in every leaf and rock.
Make us always ready to come to you
   with clean hands and steady eyes,
So when life fades, like the red and purple sunset,
   our spirits may come to you without shame.
 
In the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit… AMEN