For this last while, I feel like another blogger, Randall Friesen. Few days off -- but still enjoying ministry. So today we are seated on our couch. We have picked up what looks like a good movie. We have popcorn popped. And we will veg out for an hour or two. See you later!
What a great funeral! As we walked through a godly life, and saw God's grace, I was encouraged. John was a faithful man. Faithful to his family. Faithful to his faith community. Faithful to friends and community. Even a forty year plaque affirming his service to the Gideons indicates his faithfulness. May God continue to grow up men of godliness!
Remember the old song "Lonely days and lonely nights?" Well, I can't say that I'm lonely! The last few days have been busy. Funeral preparation. A 2 1/2 hour trip to be with our local area pastors. A board meeting. Recording a guitar. All things that are quite enjoyable. In many ways I feel refreshed. Tomorrow is the funeral for John Graham. The viewing was tonight. John's sister is in palliative care and there will probably be another funeral in the coming week. And life goes on . . . but for some it stops. At least on "this side of the golden shore." That's where a periscope that could look beyond the border of mortal death would be inviting. Perhaps we have already got a glimpse. I call it the picture Bible -- read pages like the last part of Revelations. And glimpses in I Corinthians 15 and 2 Thessalonians 4. And of course John 14 -- I still like the idea of a mansion. All in all, I'll take a final end that never ends!!
John was 94. Born in 1912 -- the same year his homesteading family built their home of wood (which stood until into the latter part of the century). Gentleness, persevering, fair, . . . and many more words describe this man who as a father, brother, mentor, treasurer, farmer . . . But I suppose the statement -- He was a man of God -- is the one that John would have most appreciated. The funeral is at 2:00 at the Alliance church in Kindersley. You are invited to join us!