One of my duties as a pastor is to perform funerals from time to time. So far I have done two. The first was quite difficult. The deceased was, shall we say, partially estranged from her family and there were some suspicious circumstances surrounding hear death. Furthermore her spiritual condition was unknown and her family wanted nothing to do with God. So, needless to say, it was an interesting service. 

Yesterday however, was a very different kind of service. I was asked to preform a service for a man only 49 tears old. He had two children, 23 and 20, and a beautiful granddaughter. He had been married to the same woman for twenty-something years and had worked two jobs ever since they were married. 

What was so amazing about the service was not the man himself but the impact that he left on those around him. I had the opportunity to sit down and speak to his widow on the day prior to the service. She shared with me all kinds of wonderful memories and stories about her dear husband.

The service was held at a small but very nice chapel in town. I arrived about a half hour early and there were already a few people in addition to the family there. I don't know why but I guess I figured that the service would be small, just family and close friends. But as the clock ticked closer and closer to the time we were supposed to begin, more and more people kept coming. The service ended up starting about 15 minutes late because we waited for everyone in line to sign the guest book. By the time we were underway the crowds of people not only filled the chapel shoulder to shoulder like a New York subway, but there were people packed into the lobby and in the adjacent chapel listening over the speakers. I have never seen such a thing! this was amazing! What a testament to a life well lived and what an encouragement to the family. 

As for me, I am thankful that God allowed me to be a part of this service. He could have chosen anyone, but He chose me and for that I am honored!