Saying Goodbye to a Friend

Saying Goodbye to a Friend--


This morning we will say goodbye to a friend.

Recently I had a conversation with a friend about this thing called life.  We looked at it from all sides and pronounced it good.  Good even when we know that it has an ending.  Good even though we realize there will be mountains to climb and valleys that take our breath away.  Yes, good even though we will experience such pain.  We contrast that pain with joy and say it is good to be given the gift of life.

Hearts are heavy today.  The hurt is not only emotional, it is physical as well.  Our bodies ache.  Our minds struggle with understanding.   Yet, there is no way to explain the whys.  Parts of us that keep us alive wear down.  Things go wrong inside our bodies.  Sometimes there is a way to fix the problem.  And sometimes, even with the best technology and skill, the problems cannot be fixed.  The whys begin.

How to comfort the hurting family is the question.  It won't be long until people return to the business of their lives.  That is how it works.  It is not a bad thing.  But, for the one whose life has changed the most, life will seem to stand still.

This morning we say goodbye to a very fine person who walked this earth.  Who achieved much.  Who loved his family.  Who was a good friend.  Who served his community and church.  Who walked in thoughtfulness.  This man will be missed.  That is the best tribute we can pay to him.

Thank you for all you did and were for all the days of your life.