A Sad Saturday

                I drove in the rain to Bowling Green today to attend the funeral for Beth who passed away this week.  Beth is my daughter's age and I had been her pastor when I served there from 1990-2013.  Two weeks ago, she had surgery in Columbus and because her minister was unavailable, I was asked to pray with her.  So, I ended up seeing her and it really touched me.  I don't think I will ever forget holding her hand in her hospital bed as she sang to me "My God and I."

              Her funeral was simple and comforting.  Her sky blue casket was in front of the altar with an afghan on top of it.  The words that were spoken by the pastor were heartfelt and wise and really perfect.  The church did what churches are supposed to do - surrounded Steve and Marilyn - Beth's parents - with love.  They gave them what we need at a terrible time like this - hugs, tears, words and food.  But most of all - they were present.

              As I sat in that familiar sanctuary I felt overwhelmed with all of it - the sadness, the grief, the love, the faith, the memories of so many times and people and events. It is easy now - when I am disconnected from a church family in my retirement - to wonder why I should bother trying to go to church or find a church.  I have been preaching around and sometimes going here and there.  I have not landed yet anywhere.  But today, as I sat in Beth's funeral, I remembered why church matters the most to me.  

           Before the service started the pianist was playing a number of hymns and songs.  Suddenly I heard  a familiar song by Chris Rice. It is called "Untitled Hymn" but I think of it as "Come to Jesus."  Just hearing the music brought me into a different place.   I realized that was what it was all about today:  Bringing Beth back into this church where we could hear the words of Jesus, remember the promise and Jesus and in some mystical way - experience the presence of Jesus in the midst of the sadness.  At least that is what happened to me today.   Here are the words of the song.

Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall, so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

Death is a mystery and watching parents bury their children is completely inexplicable and sad beyond words. I am just grateful for faith that is really and truly like a light in the darkness.  I am trusting that when Beth kissed the world goodbye she did FLY to Jesus.  And found life.
Amen