Today, I will conduct a funeral. I do a lot of them. Sometimes the circumstances are incredibly sad. Sometimes, they aren’t. Most of the time, they are a combination of the two.
Today’s funeral will be a true celebration because Alzheimer’s disease did not have the final say, God did. Having said that, there will be some sadness. There always is, when someone who is loved dies, regardless of the circumstance, because they will be missed.
Today, I will be reminded by death that the little petty things I obsess over, do not matter in the grand scheme of God’s plan for my life.
Today, I will be reminded that death is the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter how much money, education, fame, or power I possess, I will die.
Today, I will walk amongst the headstones of people who came before me whom I never met. They existed here in this world and are now gone. The same will be for me.
Today, as I stand in a cemetery bathed in warm sunlight, death will remind me its hold is fleeting but God’s warm embrace will never end.
Today, death will help me remember what really matters and what doesn’t.
Today, I will be remember I have nothing to fear because I love God and God loves me.
Today, I will remember Paul’s comforting words that help me see death does not win. He said, “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)
Today is a very good day.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for life, death, and the new life it brings. Thank you for sending your Son so that death does not have the final say in my life. Help me to live in response to your wonderful love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Today, I will conduct a funeral. I do a lot of them. It is my privilege.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 