i just got back from a wake.

"i've not attended many of my friends' weddings, and i've clocked the first funeral"

the cremation service's in 10hours time, and although we weren't close, there were lessons to be learnt.

any death is an appropriate occasion for 2 things:

1. to mourn the death of a loved one; that person definitely had someone who loved him/her, and he/she definitely loved others.

2. to be joyous that he/she is going home to another who loves him/her more than we ever could; that's with the assumption that the person did know the Lord, and had accepted Him to be the saviour - question to ask then: what are we doing to make sure that this point doesn't turn out to be N.A (Not Applicable)?

yes, cry! we should. those tears deserve to fall, and those hearts ought to ache.
but yes sing! and know that the love you have for her would pale in comparison to how much the Lord loves her.

a feast has been prepared for her upon her return, after having been away for her life here on earth; just as parents prepare the fattened calf for the child who's been away for extended periods, what more our Father in heaven?

thank you friend for your friendship, although we never met till today. my only consolation to that, is that i would one day see you in the kingdom that is from everlasting to everlasting. till then, do what you were created to do; praise Him =)