We experience the most resistance to that which is best for us. I’m pretty sure that’s why I can always find about ten reasons not to stop, reflect and write. There’s always clothing to wash, dinner to make, mindless facebook perusing and tv watching to be done. But most of the time I find that none of these things bring a whole lot of satisfaction in my life. Easy? Yes. Important? No.
I went to my Great Aunt’s funeral today. She was my Mum’s Aunt and Mum always spoke so fondly of her time spent there as a child with her older cousins. My parents had their wedding reception at her home, so she was pretty special – I wanted to go to support my Mum and my Grandma.
I am a very empathetic person so I find funerals hard (ie. I cry ALOT) – even when I am not close to the person who has died. My Great Aunt was nicknamed “Champagne Lil” because she loved her bubbles and she loved to host parties. But she was “never drunk, only on sunrises and life.” There was a small bottle of champagne for all who attended, in her memory. 🙂
As I watched the slideshow of her 93 years I was inspired by her love of life and her positive spirit. And seeing a photo of my parents on their wedding day with her – well that really did it on the tears front.
Perhaps the hardest thing though was that I’m pretty sure she didn’t know Jesus. In the Eulogy it was said “Lil said she didn’t mind where she went when she died – heaven or hell – because she’d have friends in both places.” Knowing the true repercussions of such a statement, I am reminded of the urgency of sharing the gospel with those who don’t know it, including my own Grandparents.
Despite my sadness over this, I was reminded today about what matters in life. No-one talks about tv shows watched or houses cleaned at funerals. Today Lil’s family spoke of hearts touched, lessons learned, memories celebrated and of a life lived to the full.
Sing like noone is listening
Love like you’ve never been hurt
Dance like nobody’s watching
Live like its heaven on earth.
Mark Twain
This appeared on the back of the order of service. It’s one of my favourite quotes of all time. I want to live a life like that. A totally fearless life of importance for eternity.
a bright write 
maybe it’s human nature that the real things only take precedence at a funeral. your great-aunt must have been an amazing and inspiring person to be able to love people that were going to ‘both places’. bless her!