One of the many things I enjoy doing for our congregation is writing bulletin articles! In addition to seeking to have a title that will cause someone to read the article, I also strive to develop a “hook.” Well, I hope I haven’t failed at both with this article! The title of this article was chosen because I want you to read this article, but I want us all to be challenged by way of thought and transformation.
I cannot count the number of funerals I have assisted with the last decade. If I sat down and researched it, I doubt the number would be considered large, but it would be a substantial amount. In the beginning of officiating or co-officiating a funeral, I would be nearly sick due to the “nerves” and anxiety associated with such a difficult time. With the passing of time, I still get nervous (butterflies in my stomach), battle anxiety, and struggle to restrain my emotions at times. However, I have come to realize, assisting a family with a funeral for their loved one is an opportunity to truly offer words of comfort, provide hope from Scripture, and to demonstrate compassion. In doing so, I have witnessed and experienced several things that have made an impact on me for the rest of my life.
One of those “experiences,” comes from silent observation. As you know, it is tradition or customary for the “preacher” to stand off to the side of the casket as friends and family are given an opportunity to pass by and say, “goodbye” one last time to their dear loved one. As I have stood back from the line that passes through and waited for everyone to leave, I am usually present when the funeral director is giving directions to the pallbearers regarding the transporting of flowers and loading items, etc. Additionally, the most poignant moment for me is watching as the funeral director takes the tool needed to close the lid on the casket and begins to turn the handle after lowering the lid. As I stand there watching with 1-2 staff members and pallbearers, I focus on the lid closing and the bolt be turned and locked. Watching this over and over, I think to myself, “Life on earth has truly ended for this person with the summary of their life being captured in this minute or two.”
At this time, I stand and reflect on the activities of the person’s life: deadlines they dealt with, working hours to make ends meet, amassing material items for enjoyment, battling life’s struggles…realizing they saw their fair share of heartache, loneliness, sadness. Hopefully they had good days and good chapters in their life as well. Once the lid is shut and we begin to make our way to the door to the outside, I then shift my mind begin to reprioritize my life. Am I living a life that doesn’t reflect my attraction to money, sin, or displeasure towards God? Solomon tells us our purpose is to “Fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14). Knowing our life will end one day is not news to anyone! May we prepare for that day before the casket closes.
