Celebrate Life in Death

The funeral we went to yesterday was a beautiful celebration of life honoring a woman whose life was well-spent.

We only know the daughter and son-in-law and some of their family, but we got the distinct feeling that all the rest of the family and the friends who were there were as good, kind, and loving as Debbie and Bill. The mom’s good name and reputation is being passed through generations. How and why?

From the testimonies of those who knew Mrs. Allen, she was a strong believer in God and made sure that everyone in her life knew it. The fruit of her life seemed to be the love she extended through her genuine caring and service to others. Her humor and love of music added to her charm.

As I often do in my silver years – I’m not to the golden years yet – I ponder what my life’s history will show. Those kinds of musing sure make me want to straighten up my act a little! And the back room, and my desk, and my junk in the garage, and the laundry room. Sigh. I’ll never be known as organized or neat. I call it creatively chaotic! Unlike Ms. Doris, I’ll never have my grandkids laud my cooking. Laugh, yes. Praise, no. A trip to Kenny’s BBQ or treating everyone to the Beirut is more my speed.

I guess my main takeaway from yesterday is for me to make sure my Christian witness is strong and true. Nothing would please me more than our offspring stay true to God. Whatever good I do and the quirky attributes and shortcomings add up to nothing if I don’t live a life so that one day, I can welcome my family to heaven to spend eternity with me. (AND I’d sure like to haul as many friends as possible along for the celebration!)

Jesus spoke these words,  “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”  John 8:12 NLT

He then taught the people, “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.     Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

Blessings

KB