No sting

This week I attended two funerals, both of men who were in the church I serve.

The first service was at the graveside. Bob was one of our first elders here when we moved to a pastoral team structure in our church. He and Patti moved to the western part of the state years ago for retirement, but we've kept in touch. At his service I was one of the attenders. His son-in-law Joe, a pastor, did a marvelous job in sharing about Bob's life, loves and faith.

The second service was here at our church. I led the celebration but many others, including friends and family, participated. Paul had lived his last few years with the disabling effects of a stroke. But he refused to allow his limitations to cripple his spirit or his infectious humor and love for life. Instead of becoming bitter he became better.

Both men left legacies of family and faith. Both services were filled with confidence that these men, because of their relationships with Christ, are now enjoying a new home in God's presence. You walked away from both funerals feeling good and thankful that death for the Christian is a new beginning, not a sad ending.