1 John 4:7 (NLT) Dear
friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone
who loves is a child of God and knows God.
Yesterday I officiated at the memorial service of my friend,
neighbor and member of our church family Bruce Lindsey. Bruce would have been 58 in a few weeks. Bruce never met a stranger and knew many
people. Those like Bruce who grew up in
Hapeville stick together. He was the
type person who would stop and help strangers and he helped me around the
church and parsonage at times. But with
all the good that could and should be said, we also acknowledged that Bruce had
problems with addictions. His life was a
series of ups and downs and lately the downs outnumbered the ups. I didn’t know how many might attend the
service but was amazed that the sanctuary was packed. People came to pay their respects, and to
grieve, especially those who hadn’t seen him recently. We all get busy; we think about calling
friends but don’t. Bruce died suddenly
while alone in his home. I am sad for
his family and friends and for myself.
And I’m sad that Bruce could not see how many people came to send him
off into the arms of Jesus. I think he
would be greatly surprised. I hope we do
better about letting people know how much they mean to us during their
lifetime. You never know when that
opportunity might end.
Holy
God, thank you for the lives that touch ours.
Please help us to be more loving to those around us. Help us to share the love that you so lavish
upon us with one another. We ask in the
name of the one who assures our resurrection.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment