How Beautiful...........

Kevin’s funeral was yesterday. The church, which must hold 300 people or so, was packed and there were people standing in the back. At least half of those in attendance were from work. Some, who worked with Kevin previously but had transferred, traveled long distances to attend. He had worked with us for 23 years; more than half his life, so it makes sense that he would have touched that many hearts.

I watched the faces of those who came to mourn and saw sadness, but mostly love and respect for this young man, who had contributed so much in his short time on earth. In my book, Healing After Loss, the author mentions a newsman describing what he sees as a line of mourners pass by the body of Robert Kennedy as he lay in state and the commentator said……

"At a time like this, how beautiful is every human face!"

As the Pastor stepped up to the podium, all voices became silent and every eye was fixed upon the speaker as he spoke of Kevin’s heavenly reward. I imagined the thoughts going through some of those minds……

Will the Pastor he be able to bring comfort and understanding with his words?

He was only 45, had a heart attack and died! Could that happen to me?

Imagine leaving your family behind! What about my wife/husband, and children? Grandchildren? Would they be all right?

Am I making my family my priority? What if today was my last day on earth?

Kevin had dreams and plans to build a hunting ranch. What about my dreams? Am I living my dreams?

Do my family and friends know how much I love them? Am I a good neighbor, friend, parent, husband or wife? Am I a living example of the goodness of Christ?

Before long, the service had ended. Then, I watched as hundreds of people with beautiful, loving faces walked solemnly by the casket to say a final good-bye.