Friendships and Funerals......

I attended a funeral yesterday. In the last two weeks I have lost two dear friends, who I have been touched by, immensely. I sat through the funeral thinking, "These are getting way too common in my life these days". What is it? Since turning 50, I have found myself in this season of life where we begin to attend more funerals than weddings. It makes one become very reflective. The first funeral I can remember that had a big impact on me, was my mother. It was 16 years ago and I was only 38 years old. As I sit at these funerals, my heart weeps for the ones who are weeping. There is nothing you can say or do to heal the pain. You cannot give them what they really want... their loved one back. All you can do is weep with them and be there. I also relfect on the people that I still have in my life and how much I want them to know I love them. I don't want to wait until it is to late to tell them. I want to appreciate the moments with them, stay in touch with them, pray for them and let them know what they mean to me in my life. We just don't know how much time we have. In a single moment, life can change. In the same reflective mood I find myself in, I also think of, what do I want people to remember me for? As I have dreams and goals in my heart, I recognize I am the only one able to choose to make those come true. .... . well, I just don't wake up one morning and WALA.... I have become that woman my heart desires... No, it takes choices on my part, discipline and a relationship with Jesus that I must keep relevant and real. I must choose to walk in His Spirit. So, again today, I am asking for His grace, repenting of my own sins that would be hindrances and pursuing my heart's desires. Yes, funerals are reflecting moments.... may I have Sally's zest for life and smile and have Willa's sweet spirit as I choose and pursue to make those choices in my life that will fulfill the desires of my own heart.