Reflection
There is no social gathering that tugs at our heartstrings the way that a funeral service does. Something about being “left behind” stirs our emotions and brings a profound sense of loneliness to our lives. In the span of a moment, a loved one passes from this life into the here-after, from the present into the eternal; leaving behind family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances. The loneliness that we feel brings out the best and the worst our emotions have to offer.
On the one hand, we reminisce about the wonderful times we enjoyed with Ada - those experiences that were shared together. Many may recall her laughter (and I have been told that there was something special and unique about Ada’s laugh …it was full of excitement & joy). Some of you may recall her sense of humor which Dan so eloquently pointed out in the Eulogy. Others may recall her ability to see the good in everyone and every situation.
Some of you recall her remarkable resilience. She was courageous and she was a fighter yet in the midst of her personal pain and discomfort, she always found the time to bring encouragement and comfort to others! There are those here that are reminded of her kindness and gentle spirit - she was the kind of person in life and in character that you would love to imitate.
And there are those in this room that have been drawn to her eyes, I was told that they were full of life and beauty. Finally, there are perhaps some here that marveled at her patience with children and how she invested so much of herself into their lives … believe me, that takes a very special kind of person because you and I have met children that could give an aspirin a headache!
But there is also the other side of our emotional balance sheet. The side that reveals our hurt, our anguish and our sorrow. The side that wonders why she had to become so frail so soon. The side that mourns the fact that her body deteriorated so rapidly over such a short span of time. I believe that the song, “One More Day,” written by Diamond Rio speaks the sentiment of the entire family.
Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me,
It could be for anything.
I didn't ask for money
Or a mansion in Malibu.
I simply wished, for one more day with you
CHORUS
One more day,
One more time,
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied;
But then again,
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you
First thing I’d do, is pray for time to crawl.
Then I'd unplug the telephone
And keep the TV off.I’d hold you every second,
Say a million I Love You’s
That’s what I’d do. With one more day with you
CHORUS x2
As sad as it is, death is no respecter of persons and it always reveals to us how fragile and precious life really is. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27 that “it is appointed unto man once to die, after that comes judgment.” The author of Hebrews also refers to our body as a tent (Heb. 11:9).
Tents can be wonderful for short periods of time - a hiker out in the vast wilderness is very grateful for a tent to crawl into and find protection from the elements and find shelter for rest.
The Bible describes our bodies as tents. Tents are temporary, and while they are wonderful for their intended purpose, one doesn’t expect to live in a tent forever. Tents as we know can wear out. Sometimes it becomes leaky or the fabric is torn or the tent posts begin to collapse…no one enjoys being in a worn-out tent. Ada’s tent was beginning to show signs of wear & tear. Moment by moment she had become more fragile and more dependent on others for care. Finally, on the eve of December 20th, her tent gave way.
In these final moments together may I encourage your hearts by reminding you that God’s presence is here right now this moment to hold you and to guide you. *Share of ministering in a community where a sheep pasture was just across the road from the church. The shepherd named each sheep and knew them by name. I personally could not tell one from another. Listen, God is the Good Shepherd who knew Ada by name and knows your name as well. In this hour He is gently whisper in your name saying how much He loves you. God’s abiding peace is also present this morning. We all hold very precious memories of Ada - memories that in some sense will keep us connected to her. But there will be seasons when these memories will bring tears and loneliness.
It is then that God so desperately wants to assure us of His peace as He gently says, “Let not your heart be troubled, believe in me.”
I came across the following poem, the author I do not know - but the words seemed to speak volumes about Ada’s life and influence.
Tribute - “Mothers”
Ada, you painted no Madonnas
On chapel walls in Rome;
But, with a touch diviner,
Upon the walls of home.
You wrote no lofty poems
The world pronounces art;But, with a nobler genius,
You put poems within my heart.
You carved no shapeless marble
To symmetry divine;
But, with a finer sculpture,
You shaped this soul of mine.
Had I the gift of Raphael,
Or Michaelangelo;
Ah, what a rare Madonna,
Ada’s life would show.
"It is well, it is well with my soul!” Oh, let us feel right now your redeeming love and amazing grace. In Christ’s name, Amen!
Normal Mesel
Turnpike Weslyean Church
December 23, 2010
There is no social gathering that tugs at our heartstrings the way that a funeral service does. Something about being “left behind” stirs our emotions and brings a profound sense of loneliness to our lives. In the span of a moment, a loved one passes from this life into the here-after, from the present into the eternal; leaving behind family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances. The loneliness that we feel brings out the best and the worst our emotions have to offer.
On the one hand, we reminisce about the wonderful times we enjoyed with Ada - those experiences that were shared together. Many may recall her laughter (and I have been told that there was something special and unique about Ada’s laugh …it was full of excitement & joy). Some of you may recall her sense of humor which Dan so eloquently pointed out in the Eulogy. Others may recall her ability to see the good in everyone and every situation.
Some of you recall her remarkable resilience. She was courageous and she was a fighter yet in the midst of her personal pain and discomfort, she always found the time to bring encouragement and comfort to others! There are those here that are reminded of her kindness and gentle spirit - she was the kind of person in life and in character that you would love to imitate.
And there are those in this room that have been drawn to her eyes, I was told that they were full of life and beauty. Finally, there are perhaps some here that marveled at her patience with children and how she invested so much of herself into their lives … believe me, that takes a very special kind of person because you and I have met children that could give an aspirin a headache!
But there is also the other side of our emotional balance sheet. The side that reveals our hurt, our anguish and our sorrow. The side that wonders why she had to become so frail so soon. The side that mourns the fact that her body deteriorated so rapidly over such a short span of time. I believe that the song, “One More Day,” written by Diamond Rio speaks the sentiment of the entire family.
Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me,
It could be for anything.
I didn't ask for money
Or a mansion in Malibu.
I simply wished, for one more day with you
CHORUS
One more day,
One more time,
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied;
But then again,
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you
First thing I’d do, is pray for time to crawl.
Then I'd unplug the telephone
And keep the TV off.I’d hold you every second,
Say a million I Love You’s
That’s what I’d do. With one more day with you
CHORUS x2
As sad as it is, death is no respecter of persons and it always reveals to us how fragile and precious life really is. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27 that “it is appointed unto man once to die, after that comes judgment.” The author of Hebrews also refers to our body as a tent (Heb. 11:9).
Tents can be wonderful for short periods of time - a hiker out in the vast wilderness is very grateful for a tent to crawl into and find protection from the elements and find shelter for rest.
The Bible describes our bodies as tents. Tents are temporary, and while they are wonderful for their intended purpose, one doesn’t expect to live in a tent forever. Tents as we know can wear out. Sometimes it becomes leaky or the fabric is torn or the tent posts begin to collapse…no one enjoys being in a worn-out tent. Ada’s tent was beginning to show signs of wear & tear. Moment by moment she had become more fragile and more dependent on others for care. Finally, on the eve of December 20th, her tent gave way.
In these final moments together may I encourage your hearts by reminding you that God’s presence is here right now this moment to hold you and to guide you. *Share of ministering in a community where a sheep pasture was just across the road from the church. The shepherd named each sheep and knew them by name. I personally could not tell one from another. Listen, God is the Good Shepherd who knew Ada by name and knows your name as well. In this hour He is gently whisper in your name saying how much He loves you. God’s abiding peace is also present this morning. We all hold very precious memories of Ada - memories that in some sense will keep us connected to her. But there will be seasons when these memories will bring tears and loneliness.
It is then that God so desperately wants to assure us of His peace as He gently says, “Let not your heart be troubled, believe in me.”
I came across the following poem, the author I do not know - but the words seemed to speak volumes about Ada’s life and influence.
Tribute - “Mothers”
Ada, you painted no Madonnas
On chapel walls in Rome;
But, with a touch diviner,
Upon the walls of home.
You wrote no lofty poems
The world pronounces art;But, with a nobler genius,
You put poems within my heart.
You carved no shapeless marble
To symmetry divine;
But, with a finer sculpture,
You shaped this soul of mine.
Had I the gift of Raphael,
Or Michaelangelo;
Ah, what a rare Madonna,
Ada’s life would show.
"It is well, it is well with my soul!” Oh, let us feel right now your redeeming love and amazing grace. In Christ’s name, Amen!
Normal Mesel
Turnpike Weslyean Church
December 23, 2010
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