Before the End Comes

Attended two funerals in two days, both fathers, both conducted primarily by their children.  The first was a relative, the other we know one of the sons and his family really well.  Both services were celebratory and there were tears and laughter.  It made me wonder whether we say any of these things to honor or praise folks we know while they are still alive.  As the crowds cried and laughed, I thought how wonderful if the deceased was alive and in the middle of the jokes, memories and conversation.  I know we gather for birthdays, reunions and holidays, but, in comparison to a funeral, would people come together to celebrate a person's life while they’re alive?  How often do we lose someone and then wish we had one more opportunity to share some special thought.  My dad was killed in a car wreck in 1997.  It was sudden, unexpected and I continue today to want to share thoughts and experiences with him.  Funerals can be sad but also reflective.  

We should be aware of those special people in our lives and take every opportunity to 'celebrate' their life.

Another thought after two funerals in one weekend - have you made plans for your own funeral?  Have you thought about who will speak, what songs to select, what pictures would you choose to share at your service?  How do you sum up your life in 30 to 45 minutes?  What do you want emphasized or how do you want to be remembered?  I know our lives are more than just what is said or read at our funeral.  Therefore, we should LIVE everyday in a way that our interactions with others will leave good memories.

An Exhortation To Dawn

Listen to the exhortation of the dawn
Look well to this day!  For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence.
    The bliss of growth; the glory of action;
    the splendor of beauty.

For yesterday is but a dream; and tomorrow is only a vision.
But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
    and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day, such is the salutation of the dawn

Doug Burns

Stephenville, Texas