What happens when a family has prepared for a death? Oftentimes a sense of sorrow has been there for some time. And grieving and mourning has been ongoing. The actual death, while providing a moment in time that is difficult, is also seen as joyful if the deceased had a full and abiding trust in Jesus, their final savior.
But people around expect ashen countenance and stuttering acceptance. How does a family fulfil both joy and sorrow? I’m not sure. As I watch a family in just such a situation, I’m glad I’m on the inside — I’ve seen both expressions.
Some have only seen one emotion from the family. This can be misconstrued to mean they have not experienced the other emotion.
Which brings me to one of the great virtues of gentlemen and ladies. The ability to give the benefit of a doubt.
My hope is that I will be a true gentlemen to those who surround me. May I seek to be at harmony with all people, as much as it depends on me. And that means taking extra time to check things out before I pass a judgment. This means wanting to see the best of people even when it appears the worst is what they are exposing. This means forgiving and trusting and . . . loving others.
And now, I’m preaching my sermon for Sunday! Sorry, got carried away — drop in Sunday and see how this ends!