Advice on an Anniversary

Jack's funeral was six years ago today.

It was so perfect.

Everything about it--just perfect.

Terri had prepared the most wonderful slide show.

It featured every aspect of Jack's life.

Dr. Gary Smith, who was Jack's friend as well as

his pastor, spoke the perfect words.

Susan and Rob sang beautifully.

Terri honored Jack with a touching eulogy.

And Jay read "Jack's Psalm."

Psalm 112.

I wouldn't change a thing--about the funeral.

So what would I change?

I would have told him all those things we admired

about him earlier and more often!

I found that Psalm while sitting by his bedside

in the last week of his life.

I wish I had found it while he was

still working so hard to provide a comfortable

life for us.

I think he would have been surprised and pleased

that I thought he had influence and honor.

That his good deeds would never be forgotten.

And he would have gotten such a laugh over Rob's

comment about the last verse:

Evil-minded men will be infuriated when they

see all this; they will gnash their teeth in

anger and slink away, their hopes thwarted.

Rob said this could represent their competitors,

suggesting some of the better known ones by name

(just among us!)

Oh, yes.  Jack would have loved that.

Love somebody?

Don't just tell them so.  Tell them why.

Tell them now.  Before it's too late.

Maybe that's out of your comfort zone--or theirs.

Do it anyway.

When darkness overtakes him, light will come

bursting in.

He is kind and merciful--and all goes well

for the generous man who conducts his

business fairly.

Psalm 112

The Living Bible Translation