I mentioned last month that the wife of one of my mentors died. This weekend is her memorial service. There will not be a viewing. Her body was donated to science. That was appropriate. She epitomized – no that is not strong enough, she lived and unconsciously modeled Philippians 2:3 – 4.
Her husband asked me to speak. I am one of, I think five, people to do so. This afternoon I drafted my remarks. I am not sure how your mind works but mine works in pictures. I have images of things that have happened in my life, mental snapshots if you will. As I worked this afternoon those snapshots of Sharon played over and over in my mind.
As I prayed and reflected over what to say – it was difficult – several times I broke down weeping. Part of that was for the privilege knowing such a person, part was for the grief of loss.
It was difficult, but the draft is done. I will change some words between now and Saturday. But the essence will remain. It is my prayer that the soul of one who finished well, as well as the One who enabled her to do so will be exalted.
In 2 Timothy 4:6 – 8, Paul tells his right hand man that he had finished well. Few do. Sharon did.
Her husband asked me to speak. I am one of, I think five, people to do so. This afternoon I drafted my remarks. I am not sure how your mind works but mine works in pictures. I have images of things that have happened in my life, mental snapshots if you will. As I worked this afternoon those snapshots of Sharon played over and over in my mind.
As I prayed and reflected over what to say – it was difficult – several times I broke down weeping. Part of that was for the privilege knowing such a person, part was for the grief of loss.
It was difficult, but the draft is done. I will change some words between now and Saturday. But the essence will remain. It is my prayer that the soul of one who finished well, as well as the One who enabled her to do so will be exalted.
In 2 Timothy 4:6 – 8, Paul tells his right hand man that he had finished well. Few do. Sharon did.
One thing I am experiencing these days is the strange reality that the wrenching pain of loss and of exultant hope can exist in the same space of my soul. To the observer the deep sobs and tears look the same, cannot be separated They both flow from the same place simultaneously.
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