Death so often seems distant. So many die each day, but not nearby. Even if we hear about death on television, it so often doesn’t seem near to us. Even so, we move on...and away.
Recently, due to the loss experienced by a family in our church, death drew a little closer. The busyness of this world and the cares of this world then came into clearer perspective.
Today I noticed some were frustrated because our long funeral procession caused them unexpected delay. They couldn’t go through their green light because the hearse, followed by about 20 other vehicles, was slowly but surely winding its way through the streets. How symbolic! The reality of death, which should make us compassionate as well as sober-minded, is often a mere distraction.
Of course, it seems a distraction only when it is far away. When it comes near us, should we have the luxury of seeing its approach, all other concerns to take a distant second, third, or millionth place.
This is why the wisest man in Israel once said:
“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all manking, and the living will take it to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7)
And our Lord himself said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5).
2 comments:
Hey, I just blogged about death yesterday! Woah, wierd.
Jeff,
Sorry to hear about Aubrey's grandpa.
I'd encourage readers of this blog to click on the link "Jeff and Aubrey" on the main page and read Jeff's much more eloquent musings about life and death. The post is called "Papa Neal."
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