My February will be dominated by six funerals and a wedding. If it had been up to me, I would have much preferred six weddings and a funeral. Both weddings and funerals are a lot of work. Both can be stressful.
When the wedding is over, there is a hopeful banquet followed by a honeymoon. When the funeral concludes, there is a procession to graveside, and a long season of grief. Yes, I prefer weddings.
One of the great benefits of being a part of the church is the opportunity to share the journey of life with so many wonderful people. We open our hearts and homes to others. We hear their stories and share our own. We see pictures of their grandchildren, and we get to pet their dogs.
We fall in love with these people; they become a part of our extended family. But that love makes us very vulnerable. Inevitably, our adopted grandparents, sisters, and brothers die, and we find ourselves standing at graveside. No one in this life escapes the reality of death.
My February will be dominated by six funerals and a wedding. So, if you want to get married give me a call. However, if you are thinking of dying, I would appreciate it if you would wait till March or April.
Either way, I will see you this Sunday as the family gathers for worship. We will be welcoming new members and rejoicing in an adult baptism.
Keep Smiling!
Pastor Jim
