Finishing well

Sorry I didn't get a chance to post any information about the menu for the open houses (past and present). A friend of ours passed away Saturday evening and we just found out last night that his funeral was to be held today. It still amazes me to see the difference between the funeral of a strong believer and one who... isn't. Although there were a lot of tears at today's funeral, there was also hope... and laughter... and the knowledge we would meet our friend again.

He had committed his life to Christ late in life and was miraculously able to walk away from a lifetime abuse of alcohol. We didn't know that he and his wife had divorced at one time due to his drinking. As he changed (for the better), they ended up getting remarried a few years before they moved here to be closer to their daughter and her family. He had battled cancer eight years ago and his health had not been good since then but he lasted years longer than doctors ever expected.

Our pastor talked about G. and how he had "finished well". His transformation had started in his late 50s, much later than most in our church. However, in his last years... especially the last ten years which those present had known him... he had been a man who was a friend and father not only to his own but to many people. He was a wonderful grandfather. He had grown in his study of the Word, and in allowing God to love those who are not too lovely through him... for he had walked that path before and knew miracles were possible.

I want to finish well. I read a book a few years ago that said only 50% of those making a decision to follow Christ actually end their life as a committed Christian. I can understand, of course. Life comes at you hard at times... many times. I've mentioned here before about the many mornings I awoke and was quite sad He hadn't taken me Home during the night. Life was way too difficult and my trials so heartbreaking that I had to remind myself to breath.

Life is still hard. However, I look back now and know He truly was carrying me through those times. He did make an escape, just as He promises in the Word. I understand those Scriptures which talk about faith... patience... experience... and hope. Once you have gone around the mountain a few times, you begin to know that hope is possible because you've gone that route before. You will draw strength from His Word because it is True.

When we were leaving the funeral home, my husband told me that was the best funeral he had ever been to because it gave him hope. He was twelve years younger than our friend. There was hope his best days were still ahead. :)

We sung some great songs at the funeral. One was a chorus we sang a lot at church which I'll end this post with. However, I was reminded again of the song I've told my family I want sung at my funeral. It's not super spiritual. It isn't even "Christian". It is a song I have on my Play List because it makes me smile and I have said for years it is the PERFECT funeral song... I Can See Clearly Now. Stop to think of it. When could we better say those words than when we see into Eternity and no longer are "looking through a glass darkly". :)

Here are the words of the ending song (chorus) at our friend's Home Going today.

Who Am I?

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt?

Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wand'ring heart?

Chorus

Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done;
Not because of what I've done,
but because of who You are;

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
a vapor in the wind;

Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling;
And you've told me who I am...
I am Yours!

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again?

Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me?

Picture: Building Memories; J. Sorenson; available at allposters.com