Jimbo's Jots

On Monday of this past week, I participated in two funeral services.

The first service was for a dear sister in Christ, Jean, who had lived for 98 years before dementia and her earthly body gave way to an eternal one. I was honored to officiate her services and speak of the special lady she was. Others in the family were able to share some details of her life as well.

The second service was for a father figure and brother in Christ, Jerry, who labored through 12 years of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s before his earthly body gave way to his eternal body. Jerry had served as the Executive Director of Michigan Christian Youth Camp for 32 years. I had the privilege of knowing Jerry through his sons and by being at camp and serving on the camp board for a number of years.

As I was going through my Monday morning that day, thinking about the day to come, something connected with me. Here it is: very few moments in our lives are there times when we celebrate and grieve at the same time. During these few moments of transitioning, you experience waves of joy and celebration mixed with waves of sorrow and sadness. A funeral is one of these moments, especially for those who lives followed Christ.

In both occasions on Monday, there were stories shared in which laughter and joy rang through the building. There were also moments in which stories were shared and tears were shed.

In these celebrations of life, it is a celebration, not because of the death of the person, but because of their life in Christ. I know for a fact that both Jean and Jerry lived lives to honor God and the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit in them. In the words of Paul, they had fought the good fight, they had finished the race and were receiving the crown of their crown of righteousness. So, Monday was a chance to celebrate and be joyful!

It was also moments that sadness. Our sadness is because of our own grief and loss. Zig Ziglar once said, “We grieve because we love. If there was no love, there would be no grief.” And sometimes, we struggle with our grief. I have heard grief compared to a journey you travel on that you are never packed and ready for, but you have to go on it anyway. I think that it’s is true. We can anticipate someone’s death as a sickness takes over their body. But I have heard people say that they are never quite prepared for the death of a loved one.

Disclaimer: I realize not everyone who has lived and died has lived a life in Christ. Sometimes, family and friends struggle with celebration and grief. For a parent who was an abusive parent, their children may have a hard time celebrating their life and even wrestle with even how to grieve.

On Monday, for me, it was a tremendous reminder of the wonderful range of emotions as those laughing tears were seen and shared with family and friends of both Jean and Jerry.

I pray God blesses those laughing tears and the stories that continue to be shared about Jean and Jerry to the world.

Be blessed and be a blessing!