I have attended two funerals this month. One, a young mother whom I met only briefly, and the other, a young man whom I knew quite well. These deaths and funerals have given me cause to think, remember, learn and grow.
A funeral is a marvelous opportunity to offer perspective on life. I was deeply moved by the different ways in which each of these individuals impacted the lives of others. Although they lived very different lives, I was taught that each of our lives are significant!
We each have an opportunity to love others and give of ourselves. We can't help but shape and influence one another. The good we live has far reaching affects that we are often completely unaware of. Would the young mother ever be able to know that by learning of her life at her funeral, she would impact the way that I treat my family? Could the young man anticipate that his passing would allow me to conquer some of my own fears by giving me opportunity to express my love more openly? Does my mother-in-law know that by quietly serving me when I had given birth to my babies, she set an example of what I could do to alleviate the burdens of my grieving friend? My list could go on and on...
As I said, I have also had reason to remember. I remember the sudden death of my big brother. Through the shock and pain of his passing I clearly remember the sweet peace of the spirit of God as I distinctly felt the assurance that my brother was safe at home with God and that I would be reunited with him again. It was a peaceful, comforting, joyful feeling. I felt it again when my father passed. I felt it again when Lily was taken quickly from my arms after her birth. Unsure of whether she would live or die - I was sure of one thing - that I could trust in the Lord and that all would be right and well. Grief is an immensely painful process that requires time and faith. Having faith doesn't alleviate the grief but it miraculously allows you to feel joy at the same time as your deep sorrow. I love the music and message of Brahms "German Requiem", particularly the passage from 1 Corinthians 15 ; "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"
I have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! He is victorious over death. He is my comfort, my guide and my salvation. It is my hope that I can love deeply, give freely, trust faithfully, serve frequently, pray fervently, compliment unabashedly, forgive quickly, repent often and judge not. In other words, it is my hope that I keep on trying! My father had a phrase that he used often with me. It started when I was being bucked by our horse at a very young age, but meant more to me as he applied it to his life of Chronic pain and my life of ups and downs..."Just Hold On Kate! Hold on!"
May we all Hold On, Press On, ...O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
