Attended a funeral today for a friend's Mom who died suddenly at the age of 57 from a sudden heart attack. Funerals always force reflection. But then what? This woman was practical and to the point. I believe that is what she would ask her children and in a round about way ask us. Then what?
As I watched the family walk into the sanctuary to their place in the front of the church with tears streaming down their faces and their heads held high...I thought...this Mother and Grandmother would be very proud of her family today.
Some family members patted an older lady on the arm as they walked by and others nodded their head in appreciation for some friend in the pew. They pulled their family members close as they seated themselves.
The Pastor began talking about this woman and using stories that the family had told him as part of the message. One son had given him a writing of what his Mom taught him that he is drawing from today.
That touched me.
It is one thing to teach, to influence and to love. But this Mother gave her sons the tools that they needed to handle this day and the tough days to come.
To live now with an eye on the future and not to dwell on the past. Words about character and focus and family. Life lessons that the sacrificial love of this mother and grandmother taught.
When these grandchildren of hers graduate or get married-they will remember and think of their Grandma. When they have families of their own-she will be on their mind.
When the one son tucks his children in at night and holds them during their grieving-her influence will be with them.
As her son leaves to serve another tour in service to his country...his Mom will still be with him.
A Mom like this may leave the earth but her influence in the lives of those she loved will never leave.
As we plan our schedules and to do list and goals for our lives; let's keep in mind how short our lives truly are and what kind of influence we want to be left behind.
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