--We All Are On a Journey // How we get to the other side depends on if we know Jesus as Lord. ~

--"A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that
you are my disciples, if you love one another." --[John 13:34-35] --

---Over the years I've attended many funerals. My grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles have all passed on. Friends and neighbors have died, some tragically. As a church organist I've participated in funerals for people I didn't know.
Most of the services were blessing and many included some humorous moments. When Don's uncle died, the pastor chuckled and said, "He was an ornery old guy!" before reading the obituary that summarized his life accomplishments.

Recently, though, I attended a service that was different. The woman's obituary listed several family members but didn't mention any educational attainments, activities, or achievements. I wondered what her life had been like. How did she spend her time? Did she know Jesus?

My questions were answered when the pastor asked if anyone would like to make remarks. Person after person stood to speak. "She opened her home and heart to me when we lost our house." "She took me in when I was pregnant and unmarried.: She bailed me out of jail and helped me get a job I still have." Without her pushing me, I wouldn't have finished high school." When the pastor asked how many people present had been touched by her kindness, almost everyone stood up.

Her most crucial accomplishment? She loved." She loved in word and action, and she loved without judgmental or condemnation. And isn't that all Jesus asks of us too?"

--"Heavenly Father, keep my focus on the one thing You have commanded: that I love others as You have loved me."
--Guideposts/PS~