Smorgasbord of Life

Have you ever read in my journal that God is good?

God is full of surprises for us?

God is awesome?

God is caring?

It happened. God surprised us yesterday in proving once again that he is the King of Surprises!

I posted earlier in the week about the funeral we went to a week ago that was so uplifting and inspirational. Yesterday, we went to another right here in our hometown.

Wink went home a couple of days ago...his heavenly home. Today, we had the opportunity to say our good byes at his funeral service. He has been one of the pillars of strength in our community...forever. Well....as long as I can remember, anyway.

Once again, we were reminded that there is no fear in death...only joy and celebration for those who follow the teachings of God and live according to his word. And, too, we were reminded that it's not a religion that matters, but the relationship we have with God.

But, that's not the surprise! That is common knowledge to Christians.

Here comes the surprise part! After the pastor opened the service with the usual obituary and comments, he introduced a man who was part of the extended family to speak about his experiences with the family and with Wink. When I heard the name of the speaker, I thought to myself, "No, this can't be the same person; it's just too much of a coincidence."

As he spoke, I kept looking at him and couldn't decide whether I recognized any physical features or not. It has been 19 years since I had seen the person that I thought this could possibly be. But as he related experiences and told stories, he mentioned several places that were relevant. It was toward the end of his talk that I began to realize, 'Yes! This is him!"

The "him" I'm speaking of is the man that performed the marriage of our youngest daughter. In her teen age years, he had been instrumental in shaping her spiritual life through his ministry with the youth in the church where we were members.

He had grey streaking his hair, and he had added a few pounds....well several, as a matter of fact. But in visiting with him later, we discovered he hadn't changed as much as it first appeared. Of course, we haven't changed at all!!

It was mentioned during the service that Wink had led a smorgasbord of a life. (I just love that word...smorgasbord!) As I've heard very often through the years from someone very near and dear to me, "Every day's a holiday and every meal's a banquet!"

In thinking about it, we all can live a smorgasbord life if we recognize the heaps and heaps of tantalizing food that is presented to us....the food of peace, inspiration, friends, and....surprises!

God bless and have a good weekend!