Thinking on a Tangent...

Last month we took our daughter Hana and her husband Jaime out to eat dinner at this neat restaurant in Durham called Sushi Love . It's located about 10 minutes away on Erwin Road, close to Duke Hospital.

As we were eating, Hana asked: "Dad, have the two of you ever thought about how you'd like to structure your service?"

"What?" I asked.

"You know, your memorial service. At your funeral," Hana calmly said.

"Well, not recently..."

"You probably should. At some point and time. It would be useful."

"I guess so," I replied.

Hana is a planner.

Which is why Elizabeth and I have her and her older brother Travis listed as the two executors of our estate. And I believe I am a pretty good planner as well. But I hadn't thought about my/our memorial services.

This may be because I'm still very busy with managing my life. With planning and doing all of the many things I have going on.

You know, working on things I think are useful.

Today Elizabeth, Travis and I are headed to Winston-Salem to help my brother-in-law pack up the last items he has left in his house. Like the things from the kitchen. Extra pots, pans, utensils and such. Doyle also has an assortment of pictures and paintings that his late wife drew during their marriage that he would like us to box up as well.

All of these things will go into storage. As much of our stuff would most likely end up as things get sorted out between items to keep, give away or junk. I guess growing to that older age and having to make decisions would really tax our energies. Fortunately, we have several folks, friends and family members to assist us when that time comes.

Anyway since my close encounter with Hana the Planner, I have actually done a bit of thinking regarding the service. And this was what I e-mailed her the other day.

Hana:?Here are a few thoughts regarding Celebration Services for me.

Scripture:?For a Bible passage, I like Luke 24:13-35. I love how the two travelers on the road to Emmaus were totally into their grief and focused on themselves. As I often do. This was without knowing that Jesus was present. Again, as I often feel. I especially like the last part about how they recalled how their hearts were burning within themselves…

Songs:?There are three songs that I like.

Each is very much me.

One is by James Taylor and the other two are songs we often sing at church.

The church is Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church in Durham. We have been members there for over 40 years now.

Song #1: “You Can Close Your Eyes” - James Taylor

When I think about the lyrics in this song, it's easy to picture Elizabeth saying these to me. Or me saying these words to her. A duet? Or God saying these words to us. In any case, these are good words...

Oh, the sun is surely sinking down.

But the moon is slowly rising.

So this old world must still be spinning round.

And I still love you.

So close your eyes.

You can close your eyes, it's alright.

I don't know no love songs.

I can't sing the blues anymore.

Oh, but I can sing this song.

You can sing this song when I'm gone.

It won't be long before another day.

We gonna have a good time.

And no one's gonna take that time away. You can stay as long as you like.

Only close your eyes.

You can close your eyes It's alright.

Oh, I don't know no love songs.

I can't sing the blues anymore.

Sure, but I can sing this song. Yes and you can sing this song when I'm gone.

Song #2: “What Wondrous Love Is This”?

Like most folks, I have my fair share of regret. Mostly for my inability to recognize and act upon God's generous gifts of goodness as expressed in the words of this song.

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of bliss

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down, when I was sinking down, O my soul! When I was sinking down beneath God's righteous frown, Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul, Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

Etc...

Song #3: “Our Great God"

My earthly walk has been mysterious and unknown. Which is why as I grow older, I tend to be much better at appreciating both yesterday and today. Tomorrow?

Eternal God, unchanging, mysterious, and unknown.

Your boundless love, unfailing, in grace and mercy shown.

Bright seraphim in endless flight around Your glorious throne.

They raise their voices day and night in praise to You alone.

Chorus:

Hallelu----jah! Glory be to our great God!

Hallelu----jah! Glory be to our great God!

Lord, we are weak and frail, helpless in the storm.

Surround us with Your angels, hold us in Your arms.

Our cold and ruthless enemy, his pleasure is our harm.

Rise up, O Lord, and he will flee before our sovereign God.

Etc..