Good-bye, friend. I'll see you on the other side.

Today we went to a memorial service for a man from our church. As I listened to the many kind things that were said about him and how he lived his life serving others, I had to wonder -- what will people say about me?

I honestly can't think of a single time that I have heard an unkind word in regards to this man.
People often use the phrase -- loved by all. With Jim, it really fit. He was always asking (and genuinely interested) in how Aaron and Hannah were doing. He insisted on going to Hannah's wedding even though he wasn't feeling too well on that day -- only five weeks ago. His wife suggested that she go to the wedding alone, but he insisted that he wanted to see Hannah get married.

Later that night, he was in a lot of pain.
In the days to follow, they found spots on his liver and lungs, and later in his brain.
Hannah's wedding was on June 10th. Less than a month later (July 7), our friend died.

There were people of all ages that came to pay their respect and to offer comfort to his family.
Jim lived well and truly loved God and served others in so very many ways. He served as a Deacon in our church and was always working around the church and taking care of the building. He will be missed by everybody that knew him.

For those of us that share the belief that Jesus is Lord and Savior, the day was a celebration of joy as much as it was a memorial service.
I have to admit -- I'm a little jealous of Jim.
I doubt that there will be as many people or as many great things said when it comes my time to go.
Of course, I still have some time to work on that.
But I'd better get right on it! None of us is guaranteed a tomorrow.

How about you?
Are you ready to meet your Maker?
How will you be remembered?
Jim will be a remembered as a man that loved God.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
I believe that I am better for having known him.

Maybe I'll have some time to work on how I'll be remembered.

God loves you.
Jesus died for you.

John <><