It’s never time to say goodbye.
That’s what I was thinking as I was sitting in my tiny, uncomfortable chair at a funeral for my Great Aunt on Wednesday. I didn’t want to accept the reality that she was permanently gone from this world as we know it. As I observed the tears flooding the entire room, I knew I was not the only one.
Having also said goodbye to my Grandmother about six months ago, I sat in stunned silence listening to the pastor recall fond memories and try to offer comfort to everyone, including himself. Both women probably would have been upset that anyone was making a big deal about them.
During these times, I can’t help but think about the legacies that people leave behind, and in turn also evaluate the kind of legacy I am creating right now. Am I going to be missed so much by so many people? Am I going to be loved as much when I’m?
We sang a song in church on Sunday with the words, “I won’t be satisfied with anything ordinary”. As I pondered the meaning of that song, I realized both my Grandmother and Great Aunt lived their lives that way, even though to them it was ordinary. I don’t think they realized how special and truly important they were to so many people, because their standard of living was nothing special to them. But if you knew or even just met either one of them, it was impossible not to feel their love.
I hate that we only got to know them for a few overlapping years of our lives, and I hate that we all can’t grow old together. I hate that my kids will never get to enjoy their life and spirit the way we did growing up. But I love that God gave us these incredible people for any time at all, showing us beautiful examples of what it looks like to be in love with Jesus.
I pray we learn how to do the same.
