The one thing always missing from a funeral!

Last week I met with a friend for lunch.

She happens to be a celebrant, and whilst she has officiated at many weddings, it is providing services at funerals and wakes that bring her the most JOY. Being an incredibly empathetic person, this is where she shines, as she brings together the perfect words and music to celebrate the life of her client's loved ones.

Showcasing their life and reflecting upon it is her brief, and during our conversation, this is what she said that really gave me pause for thought:

" You know Christine, I have done over 1200 funerals, and not one eulogy has ever said this person had a million dollar share portfolio, a holiday home in Europe, a selection of luxury cars and enough money to last ten lifetimes."

She continued:

" No - every eulogy I have ever done has focused on how that person interacted with their family and community. It focused on how they lived, and impacted the people around them. It shared stories of the gifts and talents they brought to the world and how they left people feeling!"

Her words were earnest and heartfelt and soaked in personal experience, and even though I have always know this on some level, this conversation really connected to my heart and soul in that moment.

Clearly. Succinctly. Poignantly.

I have known this to be true for a long time, but hearing it from the experience of my friend, right there as the celebrant at the end of earthly life for many, was somehow powerful, moving and transformative.

It left me asking the question:

" Why do we focus so much on what we can accumulate, when we should clearly be focusing on what we can give away?"

As I sit here typing at 5am, my eyes are filling with tears, as I write. As if I have somehow stumbled upon the one pivotal truth that underpins our very existence. A deep knowing within me, somehow awakened in this quiet early morning revelation.

I feel I am revisiting an ancient truth.

I sense that I am strangely connected to the wisdom of the ages.

I understand from some place within, a deep and renewed knowledge that all I have to do, is give to the world whatever I have to offer and all will be well.

To unearth one's gifts and talents and bring them to the planet with love and joy is the task at hand and everything else is just window dressing.

So, today, I ask you to ponder these three things, and perhaps leave your answers in the comments section if you would like to share:

1. What will be the defining tone of your funeral / end of life service?

2. What are the skills and talents you can give away for the betterment of the community around you?

3. What do you want to be remembered for?

These questions are so simple and yet so revealing in their responses. And in answering these three simple introspections, you may just find the solace and motivation you need to live a joyful life.

Christine

#joy #purpose #reflections #thejoymakerexperience

NOTE: A huge thank you to my beautiful friend Lisa Grosskopf, for her insights, friendship, and meaningful discourse. Our conversations warm my heart and I always learn so much from your huge capacity for empathy and kindness. How very lucky are the families who find you as their celebrant in any life event!