Today we held the funeral for my grandfather, Floyd "Buster" McFadden. It was a time of gathering with friends and family, sharing memories, forgiving regrets, and looking toward tomorrow with a changed horizon. All in all a good day.
A couple of months ago, my grandmother passed as well. Her service was also a celebration of life. What a day. We only had the visitation and the service. Our family opted not to have the graveside service, instead, we focused on celebrating her life, and spending time loving on each other.
Later that evening, we popped some popcorn, iced down some cokes, and all climbed in the suv to head out to the cemetery. What an incredible new tradition. No longer focusing on the death but the life. No longer was the trip to the cemetery a dreaded long black train of vehicles, but rather a fun family outing sharing stories of Miss Norma's life. She would have loved it.
Tomorrow, we continue the tradition as we will once again pop popcorn, ice down some cokes, and go visit the site where Poppa Busters body will rest until it meets his spirit in the sky! Thank you Lord for a family tradition that brings the focus back on You, Your life, the joy You have given us, and the lives You have allowed us to share.
For me, this will be a tradition to continue. I want my focus to always be on the life and not the death. Let us focus on You alone and not be distracted by the worlds view of things that are temporary and carnal. Even in death, may the joy of the Lord and the promises He has given us ring true in our lives.
The next time you face the certainty of death, look up, focus on the life, and enjoy some popcorn and coke along the way.
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Cor. 15:55
