This time of year seems to be the time for funerals.
I have officiated at two funerals in the last two weeks. Both have been joyous celebrations. Both quite different.
My Aunt Etta was known for her “whoop” when she got blessed in the middle of a church service. Sylvia Walde was known for her quiet hard working approach to life that saw her service baking buns for those who were weary in life.
The interment service for Sylvia included a testimony of one who had walked with Sylvia for over 40 years. They met in the 1960’s and had kept up a friendship from then on. That is a great testimony in a mobile day and age where we tend not to commit to friendship.
I have found in such cases that the church service does not demand a great “sermon” on my part. The eulogies and tributes have preached far more than the words I might want to say. In these cases I prepare a summary of life and a pointed thought on death. I tend to think that we carry away from a funeral a few things said in an easy to understand, easy to remember way.
Yesterday’s funeral for Sylvia Walde was a reminder of godliness practiced in amongst daily farm chores, raising children and blessing others. Simple life, simple focus, simply inviting!