The Greatest Blessing We Have Are One Another

The Greatest Blessing We Have Are One Another, perhaps that is why Jesus used the phrase repeatedly. After all, our bodies fail, circumstances change and friendships and even relationships which should remain eternal, sometimes disintegrate. I have long said that Friendship is a Sacred Trust: it is God who bring people into our lives for mutual benefit - whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder! Friendship is a form of marriage, is it not? Doesn't true friendship require commitment and trust and sacrifice and communication? We shouldn't be surprised then in a culture that does not value marriage friendship is no longer cherished as it once was.

The most difficult part of the decision to leave Linden is leaving the good friends I have made there behind. I won't be going far away, but I doubt that Pastor Larry or Pastor Washington or oh, half the community are going to "drop by" Westerville just to say hello.
This past few days I have made two new friends. And our friendship will no doubt span the years ahead, but it will also have to span the globe for they are living in Japan. I already have my spiritual brother and sister Nori and Barbie Kelley over there, but I have just met this beautiful couple and I hope that we can become partners on this journey through life together.

From the moment Talya and Mark sat down with me, I felt a kinship. Even though they had come to make funeral arrangements for her mother, there was a joy and a confidence that said, "They have placed their trust in God".

The wonderful treasure of recent years; meeting people in a time of immediate need and being available to be a balm and a comfort to them, I will sincerely miss. In my new position, I will still be helping people, but to what degree remains to be seen. Hopefully, even more than I am now.

Just yesterday Mrs. J., an elderly lady who comes in monthly to pay on her pre-need funeral arrangements, came in like clockwork with her usual $ 50.73 to the penny in cash. When I told her that I would be leaving, she got upset and began to cry. For over six years we have met monthly and made a "business transaction" , but we have also talked about the Lord; my how she loves Jesus! Before she left, she said "Before I go Pastor, I just need to hug you!" And she did and cried some more. A few years ago I helped her bury her husband and monthly, ever since we have been encouraging one another. I will miss her more than she can guess, because, you know; whatever business you're in, if it's not God's Business and the People's Business, You're in the wrong business!

Anyone can sell a casket, a suit or a car. With training anyone could be an electrician, a dentist or an attorney, but the bottom line is no matter what your business is, if it's not about doing the best you can for others to the Glory of God - you are merely in the funeral business of retail or car sales or whatever. Don't we have enough plumbers, electricians and attorneys? What we need are brothers and sisters who have those skills, but are in their positions because they love people and they work to the Glory of God.

Yes, I am a rich man indeed! I haven't made very much money during the past 6 years. I am grateful for what I have made, but it pales in comparison to the army of friends I have made doing my best to help others heal through a difficult time in their lives.

If you are reading this before bed - say a prayer for your friends. If it is morning and you have been given a few more precious hours; invest them in caring for one another. In the end there is Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest of these is Love!