OK this may be a little weird, but anyone who knows me considers that I am not outside the box, but I have thrown the box away.
Last night I went to funeral of a man I've known for some time and love his entire family. He was a little older than me but died suddenly of a heart attack. The services were great and the services reflected on his life well. The receiving line had to include more than 500 people which will tell you a little of the impact this man had on people.
But, every time I go to a funeral I think, " I have from one second to xx years left here, is there something more I should be doing today?" Last week I saw an interview with a lady that died and came back as she said she was in heaven. So I thought of the answer I would give if the Lord says, "Do you want to go back?" My first thought would be I guess so because people will miss me. But in really thinking hard about it, I guess my response would be, "If you have something more you want me to do, then I will go back. Otherwise I long to stay with you Just tell me what it is you need me to do."
But then my mind jumped to "my" funeral. Years ago I told my son that I want them to have a party when I pass from this earth. I mean it. His response was, "OK Dad we'll get the mortician to have you holding up you hand, palm up, in the casket." He saw the curious stare and said, "We will need a place for you to hold the dip so people as they walk by can get some chips and let you serve them dip." I laughed but then I thought what a way to go out by serving others for the last time. Strange but my wife does not think it is would be received well.
Nevertheless, I have a folder in my desk upstairs that has my desires for this final event. One thing is that I do want a celebration. One of the life I lived and how the Lord has been such a part of my everyday walk. Yes, I would like refreshments served because of social media, the only time today that family and friends get together is at weddings and funerals. You have food at weddings where people talk and remember the event and the couple's life before marriage, so why not at a funeral. Catch up on the events of the living and the support of my remaining family.
I recall that as we went to the cemetery for my Mom funeral and were in the funeral homes limo, we pulled up to the grave site whereby the driver got out and the multiple horns on the car started blaring. The driver could not get them to stop and was really embarrassed as we were all sitting in the back seats just laughing hysterically. When he finally got the horns to stop and apologized profusely, we told him not to worry, it was just Mom's way to tell us goodbye and that the horns sounded like trumpets by going out her way.
Lastly, I want great upbeat music that reflects who I am today and the music that changed my life with an invitation for all those attending to accept Jesus and to someday meet me in heaven. I just want people to celebrate life and not death.
How about you? Do funerals make you think?
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