I have started this article several times and even finished it once, but for some reason never published it.
Every time we pull over to the side of the road for a funeral procession, Ray says, "Any time someone dies we should all pause to think about eternity." Last year we attended several funerals - my father's and an elderly couple who died within a week of each other. This week our family will attend the memorial service of our friend Tom Jarrard (known at our home as Peepaw). These are the times to pause and think of how we will spend eternity and the witness we will leave behind. Now is the time to tell your children of the fiery pits of Hell and the glories of Heaven. Don't wait until you think they are 'old enough' to handle such things. Death is certain, timing is not. Though Mr. Jarrard had time to contemplate through his suffering, we are not guaranteed any warning. In fact, it's just the opposite.
As we have been talking about funerals and such this week, we have learned that our teenage daughters have friends who have never attended a funeral. You may think it's nice that they haven't had to deal with such a loss. Though I don't want our girls to be saddened in that way, I want them to see the stark reminder of our brevity on this earth. Because Ray is a pastor we have attended a lot of funerals where we aren't particularly close to the deceased. Though there are some crazy stories behind some of these events, our children know that life is short and God is still in control of life and death. He must be worshipped and we must repent and turn to Him.
As we try to minister in our feeble way to the Jarrard family this week, I pray for several things to happen:
- the family is encouraged.
- our children learn to minister to others unselfishly.
- we are all reminded of our need for The Savior.
- God is glorified and worshipped.
1 comment:
I agree that it is a good time to think about these Biblical truths! Our girls too have been to several lately that were church family. I felt that I needed to go which means they do too. It is a good time for serious thought! I am praying for the Jarrard family!
BTW, Hannah cut her hair (always the bangs) three times between the age of 2 and 5. She received spankings the last two times! When she did it a third time, I promised her I would give her a buzz cut if she did it again! I was so furious and I meant it! (I still mean it! :) Anyway, about six months after Hannah's last self-cut, Mary cut her hair (age 2). I thought Hannah did it, and I was ready to get the razor! But Mary showed me all the evidence and told me how she did it. We have gone two years now, with no hair cutting! That's the way I like it! But it is kind of funny now.
Have a blessed day! In Him, Eva
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