The Sting is Gone

One of the things that makes the ministry an interesting profession is I get to be involved in people's lives at significant moments. I am in the loop when children are born, I am there when people get married, when they are struggling in that marriage, when people are sick and then when people die. This week I officiated at the memorial service of my friend and neighbor Joanne Gough. Joanne was an amazing person. She died after a battle with cancer and the church was filled with people she had touched with her life. I mean filled. Joanne had lived her life smack dab in the middle of her faith and her community. When there is an overlap like that the number of people who are touched is large and the spectrum of people who are touched is wide. I always think that is very cool when there are whole groups of people at a funeral who don't know each other. I liked that about Joanne.
Yesterday I sat beside Rich Jackson and held his hand as he labored to breath his last day. Marge,his wife of 67 years held his other hand. His daughter and son in law stood by the bed. Rich had been in church for Easter and would be with his savior before the sun would set. We sat and talked about how Rich had lived his life. It was a very sweet time. There were more smiles than tears during those few moments.
I guess I tell you this to remind you of the wonder of your life. There are people you are living with or around or touching every day. Some day people will gather by your bedside or at your funeral. Let them tell tales of how you lived a life of love and dedication. Let them tell how you loved your Lord and served the people he brought into your life. This week more than most has reminded me that day is coming. It is fitting this week followed Easter. At every graveside I am reminded that Christ took the sting out of death. It has been gone ever since the women heard the angel say, "He is not here. He has risen just as he said." Rejoice, live, love someone today. Live your life so as to be missed.