This morning, I attended the funeral of an elder of a church that I used to attend, the funeral of a friend. The funeral was a testament to how amazing of a man he was: gentle, wise, funny, kind, strong; a great husband and father and shepherd of those under his care; a humble and true follower of Jesus Christ.
The funerals of such people, along with the sorrow that accompanies them, can also act as sorts of forks in the road, opportunities for reflection. Randy’s funeral was no less than that. It made me want to be a better friend, worker, disciple, citizen; it made me want to be a better man. I remembered this pair of haiku as I drove away this morning.
Finally, it might be a little like admitting to loving one of one’s children more than another, but I confess that there are some individuals whose interactions with one’s work (all such interactions are gifts) are more eagerly received than others. Randy was one such person for me. How cool was it that he liked my work, that he had something interesting or encouraging to say about it. And often his comments indicated that he understood the work in ways and to the depths that I had intended. And that is a really good gift.
death sharpens the nub
or life for writing full stops,
our words more clearly
full stop is all, then
another and another
are drawn…ellipsis
Christian funerals are the most encouraging to me…..
Thanks for your reflections and haiku poem.
Amen.
I am enriched by your art and your deep thoughtful way of living, though I acknowledge that this deep thoughtful reflection can cause gratitude and grief, inspiration and depression. I pray the light of Randy’s light, even in its loss, brings light and sustenance to you, my friend.
Thank you, Thirza.