A Celebration of Life

Just recently I received a phone call, that a special person in my life was dying of cancer and didn't have long to live.

My initial reaction, especially believing in the divine healing power of God, was that we should immediately pray and ask God to heal him. After all, the scriptures say that God is our healer. I was ready to rush off, and gather every believer I knew of to pray.

Then I spoke to my dear friend. He was at peace with the situation, with family, friends, life and most of all he was at peace with God and looking forward to going "home" to be with God.

As we spoke, a great peace came over me, and I knew that he was not putting on any noble, long suffering front. We then began to talk as always.  I felt joy mixed with my sadness that we would lose such a good person.  I told him I would dance and sing at his funeral when the time came, because I knew where he would be.

Grief is the emotion of those of us left behind. Death is not something to be fearful of... it is only a transition to a much better realm of existence. It is a natural and spiritual law unto itself. Every religion or belief system in the world has beliefs about the transition of the spirit through death. Many choose to look at it as a celebration.

The absolute highest honor I can think of for a funeral is to celebrate. Celebrate the person's life, their beliefs, their achievements and memories. Let their children, family, friends speak of the love, joy that their life brought to others.

When my time comes, I pray that there be a huge celebration. I would hope that I have touched people's lives and left them changed, even just for a moment. I want all my family to know how much I loved them, and that I knew they loved me. That I was so proud of each one of them, and the people they turned out to be. I want them to know I finally found absolute peace in the arms of God. That God was my main staying power and source of strength in my life. It is my desire that God touched the people that came into my life, through me. That the gifts and talents from God changed them in some small way.

Are you ready? What will people say and celebrate about your life when the last breath is drawn and you have slipped over into the next realm? Have you lived a life to touch others and make this world a better place? Will your children carry your spiritual legacy?  and in the end, will you stand before God and hear the words..."Well done my good and faithful servant".

To my friend....I love you....your time will come soon, and yes, I will shed a few tears, but I will see you someday, over on the other side. Your strength, your peace, your love and  joy,  I will remember the days we had, the memories we shared, and the laughter.

And I will celebrate your life!