In thirty years of ministry I've never had a day like today. This afternoon I conducted a funeral and a wedding within a two hour time frame. I've had days when I've done more than one funeral and perhaps even days when I've done more than one wedding but this is the first time I can recall that I've done both - especially back to back. It was such a study in contrasts.
One setting was solemn, the other was festive. One family was laid low by grief. The other was giddy with joy. And, (think with me for a moment on this one), one marked an end. The other marked a beginning. Which was which? The funeral really marked the beginning. For my friend and sister in Christ who departed from this life at the age of 86 years today marked a beginning of life eternal that is safe in the arms of Jesus. It marked the beginning of a new residence and a new existence. Because of her faith in Christ we could sing with joy as the service concluded, "When we all get to heaven - what a day of rejoicing that will be."
The other setting marked an end. The end of two lives lived seperately. From this point on my two young friends will be one (Gen. 2:23-24). Their lives will never be the same. No longer will there be complete independence or total control. From this point forward every decision, every thought and every action must be made within the context of coupleship.
Life is full of such contrasts I suppose. We're ecstatic with joy one day only to be humbled by sorrow the next. None of us lives perpetually on a mountaintop and, thankfully, none of us is forced to live forever in a valley. There are ups, downs and all-arounds. Through it all, however, I am thankful that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Heb. 13:8).
That's The Way I See It!
