Life and Death

Good Morning All,

The wedding had been planned last Fall. It would be at the Outer Banks; on the beach, weather permitting; before the start of hurricane season. “Yes, I would be honored to officiate at your wedding.” (not to mention any excitement about going to the beach. :) ) As the weekend approached there was the usual preparation to be away from Covenant…making sure everything was in place at the church so that worship and other responsibilities would run smoothly.

On the other hand, death doesn’t afford us the luxury of choosing a specific date and time. Death comes when death comes. Pre-arrangements though allow us the opportunity to plan a time of worship and celebration before the time is made known.

“Yes, it would be a privilege to speak at your mother’s memorial service and to share in this time with you and your family…after all, we’ve known each other for 28 years…”

“When do you want it to take place?”

“Friday at 11a; in Washington , NC …”

“I can make that work…I am planning to leave for the Outer Banks to do Lee and Jessica’s wedding sometime late Friday; but now I’ll just plan to leave early that morning. Not a problem…”

At first glance, it seemed as if emotions that come when a loved one has died and those involved with preparing a young couple for their marriage were about to collide in my heart. How would I sort them out? How can I make sure I could give each occasion my full attention?
Grief and sorrow were about to meet joy and bliss…

But God is so good. And these words from scripture popped in my head, “Who we are to become, dear friends, has yet to be revealed to us…” (I John 3.2) And after a few moments, it became very clear to me that both of these life experiences have so very much in common.

Both are
· life-altering experiences, not only for Deane Parker whose earthly pilgrimage was over; but also for Lee Wakefield and Jessica Nixon who were about to be married; but for all who love them.
· times filled with deeply rooted, heart rendering emotions.
· reasons for pure joy! The joy of a well-lived life and the joy of being united with a soul-mate.
· great occasions for celebration…celebrating the many lives that have been touched and influenced by a special relationship; celebrating lives that will touch and influence lives in the future.
· a reminder of God’s many blessings thus far along the way and that these blessings don’t end with a particular ceremony or ritual.
· new beginnings; moving into the unknown; trusting in God’s constant presence and unconditional love; and God’s warm invitation to move into God’s future.

God’s blessings abound in life and death and all points in between. Thanks be to God for this inexpressible and sustaining gift…

Leave your umbrella at home…the spiritual forecast calls for God’s showers of blessings…
Joanne