Memorialized a Friend today.

A year and a half ago I attended a new comer’s diner at church (not as a new comer, but as one of the Pastors) and sat with a retired couple who had just started to come to church.  John and Linda then started coming to our West of 50 group.  They have become good friends.  She was raised in a Pentecostal Holiness Church and attended Emmanuel College along with many people who I know through my years in the PH leadership.  So we had lots to talk about and through that our friendship developed. 

Three months ago John went into the hospital for bypass surgery.  He never came out and went to be with the Lord a couple of weeks ago. I was honored to conduct his memorial service today as their Sr. Adult Pastor.  It was a joy to have spent some time with their family over the last few days and to be able to minister to them today as they bid goodbye to their Dad and Husband. 

I realized all over again today how great it is to have the privilege of Pastoring people and speaking into their lives.  Sometimes it is a joy to bear one anothers burdens, and to help them carry thier load. 

Just some thoughts tonight after watching a family struggle with saying their final good bye.  Probably doesn’t mean anything to anybody reading it but it is good for me to express my thoughts.