I know I just instituted “His Word Sundays,” but I don’t think He’ll mind if I write something today, because, well, I HAVE to.
My mind and heart are swimming with images and sentiments from yesterday’s funeral. There are some funerals which are sad, heartbreaking, and void of any hope. Death has come, in those situations, and left pain and despair in its wake. But then there are some funerals that are joyous. A true celebration of life and love, and this funeral fell into the latter category.
I knew it would, because I knew this woman, this family, but what I was so moved by were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the legacy she and her husband had built together. One grandson spoke eloquently of integrity and elegance, the main traits he attributed to his grandparents. A granddaughter sang beautifully, a hymn her grandmother had taught her as a child, while another read her grandmother’s favorite scriptures, her brother standing silently behind her, hands on her shoulders, to help her get through it. Then, at the luncheon, following, her little great-grandson got up and addressed the crowd, asking God to comfort us all in our loss.
Countless stories were told about her, and her family, favorite memories, and pivotal moments for people in which she, and her husband, were likely unaware they’d played a part.
I sat, pulled away from the crowd in my mind, and considered it all, realizing that this is what I want my life to be, most of all. When, at the end of this race, my children, grandchildren, and (hopefully) great-grandchildren, would have good reason to celebrate my life, sing back what’s been learned at my knee, and point to a God they know better for observing my days on this planet. That they could rise up and call me blessed, because I truly have been.
“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” Psalm 78:4 ESV
“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2 ESV