A Few Reflections

A wonderful family friend died this week. We had overnight guests Thursday, and spent that evening and all day Friday involved in the viewings, funeral, graveside service, and a lovely luncheon afterward.

There were a number of things said during the funeral that really touched my heart. I haven't been to many funerals in my life. Counting back, there have only been five total...including a complete stranger that I'd never met before. I know it's kind of strange to be forty and not have been much touched by death. That will change, obviously, unless I end up dying sooner than later.

Despite my lack of exposure to death, I've found that funerals are a good opportunity to reflect on my life. Am I who I want to be? (no) If I died today, would my life have been enough of what it should have been? (no) What lessons do I still need to learn? (so many!) What legacy am I leaving in my wake? (that's another post entirely)

These may not be the typical questions you think of when it comes to dying. But I've had some experiences in my life that have given me an ironclad faith and testimony about the veracity that this life is not the end. That our Heavenly Father has a plan for us, which I am grateful to have a testimony of. And that plan included coming to earth, getting a body, dying, and being resurrected someday. And that we will see our loved ones again...they are not gone forever. And that if we choose the right, and repent of our wrongs, we will be able to be with them for all eternity.

So as sad (and tragic, in some situations) as death is, I have a strong faith that it's not sad for the person who died. It's only those of us who are left behind, missing them and wondering how life can go on without them who are struggling.

One interesting thing about the service yesterday is that this man had lived an amazing life, and there were many notable experiences worthy of honoring. But none of them were mentioned. The things that were shared about him all centered on his character. What kind of person he is. His noble traits (charitable, forgiving, service-oriented, his sense of humor, his lack of ego), not his many outstanding accomplishments. I thought that was interesting.

Everyone loved this man. He was a good, kind, generous, loving father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a very talented musician. And he endured a horrible illness without complaint, with grace and patience. There was much to celebrate about his life and example, and I was honored to be part of the celebration of his life yesterday.

So now I need to spend some time setting some goals that will help me along in my own life journey. To allow those thoughts and feelings of yesterday to inspire me towards a better today. Just wanted to share that here. What feelings and experiences have helped you to make strides in your life journey? Do you have any experiences that have helped you overcome hurdles and propel you forward?