We went to the funeral for one of Joe's dear friends, yesterday. The two families were neighbors for over 25 yrs. We went to the wake of another dear friend of his last weekend. This is really bothering Joe. At our age, you never know when the Lord will take you home. That's why it is so important to live and love each day that we are here on earth.
The Priest, who officiated, yesterday is the principal of St. Edwards High School in Elgin. It seems that he is a perfect fit for his job. So youthful in his views. He was requested by the family. He gave a very youthful homily filled with memories of this man, scripture, and some humor. He told a story of seeing a tombstone once that said, "I ate, I drank, I was merry." He chuckled and said, " Some of my colleagues frowned on this, but I like to think that my God has a sense of humor." God wants us to eat, drink, and be merry. This is something that I have always felt. I've always been able to have a few laughs at my experiences in my faith. I believe that some people take religion so seriously that they somehow forget how much joy was in Jesus' life. Do we really think that Jesus and his followers were always serious...didn't they have a few laughs? I'm positive that they did. How could he be such a loving God without humor and joy? I didn't think that I was knowledgeable enough to tell of Jesus joy and humor... so I found a couple of things on the internet that tells of that Joy.
Humor is a key component of joy. Jesus said to stop dwelling on the evils all around and borrowing potential troubles from tomorrow (the normal daily dose is quite enough, he wryly observed), but rather borrow hope and joy from seeking the Kingdom of God (see Matthew 6:33-34). The Christian walk should be a joyful one.
There is plenty in life to smile and laugh about. A forgiven man walks lightly upon the earth and with childlike freshness is quick to smile, quick to see and think the best of others, and easily brought to laughter. He is hopeful of the future, confident of who he is, and able to lift up and bear the burdens of others.
The Priest talked about the joy this man had in his life...he said that he was faithful in his religion, his family came first...he was always there for his family...kids games, school events, weddings, births, a faithful husband. When they listed his commitments to his Church, family, and community, I sat in awe. He was such a dedicated person. Always ready to lend a helping hand. He will be missed by so many. His was a very sudden death, but those who knew him best, knew that he was ready spiritually. I would like to imagine that he will be God's right hand man...ready to help whenever he's called.
The Priest, who officiated, yesterday is the principal of St. Edwards High School in Elgin. It seems that he is a perfect fit for his job. So youthful in his views. He was requested by the family. He gave a very youthful homily filled with memories of this man, scripture, and some humor. He told a story of seeing a tombstone once that said, "I ate, I drank, I was merry." He chuckled and said, " Some of my colleagues frowned on this, but I like to think that my God has a sense of humor." God wants us to eat, drink, and be merry. This is something that I have always felt. I've always been able to have a few laughs at my experiences in my faith. I believe that some people take religion so seriously that they somehow forget how much joy was in Jesus' life. Do we really think that Jesus and his followers were always serious...didn't they have a few laughs? I'm positive that they did. How could he be such a loving God without humor and joy? I didn't think that I was knowledgeable enough to tell of Jesus joy and humor... so I found a couple of things on the internet that tells of that Joy.
Humor is a key component of joy. Jesus said to stop dwelling on the evils all around and borrowing potential troubles from tomorrow (the normal daily dose is quite enough, he wryly observed), but rather borrow hope and joy from seeking the Kingdom of God (see Matthew 6:33-34). The Christian walk should be a joyful one.
There is plenty in life to smile and laugh about. A forgiven man walks lightly upon the earth and with childlike freshness is quick to smile, quick to see and think the best of others, and easily brought to laughter. He is hopeful of the future, confident of who he is, and able to lift up and bear the burdens of others.
The Priest talked about the joy this man had in his life...he said that he was faithful in his religion, his family came first...he was always there for his family...kids games, school events, weddings, births, a faithful husband. When they listed his commitments to his Church, family, and community, I sat in awe. He was such a dedicated person. Always ready to lend a helping hand. He will be missed by so many. His was a very sudden death, but those who knew him best, knew that he was ready spiritually. I would like to imagine that he will be God's right hand man...ready to help whenever he's called.
Balisha
6 comments:
What a lovely and inspiring post, Balisha. I am sorry you and Joe have lost special friends; we have reached that stage of life, too. Shocking sometimes. Thank you for the scripture reminder. I like to think on the positive. It helps me stay sane, well, almost sane.
Hi Balisha, This man sounds like a good and wonderful person that will be missed very much by his family and friends. I think we should all be joyful and enjoy everything about our lives. Hope that you had a good weekend and are ready for the week ahead.
Hi Barbee and Judy,
He was a wonderful person...always there to help out and do a good job. His family is going to really miss him. He died so suddenly...Joe and I are at that age where our friends are failing and some have died. It's part of life,I remember Bette Davis saying that popular quote "old age ain't no place for sissies" Balisha
Balisha, I don't know how you do it, but you seem to write about what I need WHEN I need it most! :) This was a wonderful post reminding us of God's love and how very precious life is. Thank you for sharing this message.
Hugs!
Linda
Yes, Balisha, this was timely. I have attended two funerals in the past two weeks. One a church member and the other a classmate. So your thoughts were timely.
Balisha, what a wonderful post.
So sorry about your friends.
My bible is so marked up.
But those special scriptures speak to my heart...
Could not make it without them..
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