Loved - I Corinthians 13

I Corinthians gives us the definition of love and the fruits of that love.  Today, I go to the funeral of a richly loved man, Hal Boday, Sr..  The outpouring of love, kindness and patience at this time is overwhelming.  But I know there will also be long-suffering.

As I get ready for the funeral, it brings me back to the loss of life in my own family and I laugh and cry at the fact that I do not remember any of the specific dates of their deaths.  God gave me the ability (He gave it to us all, really) to not dwell on the bad things in the past.  I choose (yes, it's a choice) to remember the good times and to celebrate in my family's lives.  I remember my grandparents and parents wedding anniversaries (that's easy, because they are the same day - July 26th), and I choose to remember both of my paren'ts birthdays.  I tend to go to a quiet place, pray and remember them on those days.  I don't care to remember them sick or in a coffin.

I pray that the peace that passes all understanding will make its way into my friends lives as they go through this grieving process.  And I pray that they will remember the good times and not dwell on the sickness or the times of sorrow.