Lessons From a Funeral

The other day, I attended the funeral of a sister in our ward. It was a beautiful service, and I think that everyone left it uplifted. Naturally as I think everyone does, there were words said, and observations I made, that lead to some thoughts.

One thing that I have noticed about most LDS funerals is while there is mourning, they aren't as somber or depressing. We know that instead of saying good-bye to a loved one, we are simply saying see you later. Death is not the end, but the beginning of the rest of our journey. And we all must pass through it. Life is a dangerous thing. None of us get out of it alive.

But I am grateful for the knowledge that we can see our loved ones again. The Mormon church is the only religion that teaches specifically the doctrine of eternal families. This shocks me honestly. One would think that even in the annuls of men, someone would've thought to add that into another religion. It just makes sense! Why would a God who loves us send us to this earth, have us make and develop these relationships which we treasure above all other things, only to have those ties broken once we enter into the realms of eternity. We love the lord, and Hell is our separation from his presence when all is said and done. So wouldn't separation from those others we love fall under the same category? I'm just happy to know that I can live with my family after I leave this tabernacle of clay. What beautiful doctrine.

As we left the service, in procession to the grave site, we passed some men working along side of the road. One of the men immediately stopped what he was doing, took off his hat and held it over his heart, and watched us go by. Its nice to know that there are people out there who are willing to take time out of their busy lives, to honor and show respect for one's life that they did not even know.

Life is fleeting. We never know when we will be called back home, when our mission on this earth will come to a close. Our life is a gift, and what are we doing with it? We all have hopes, aspirations, dreams. Are we making those a reality? We have loved ones. Do they know they're loved? We must truly learn to live. Don't be afraid to take those opportunities that knock on your door. Once they pass, they usually wont knock again. Take time to let someone know how much they mean to you. Don't let your dreams be dreams. Go create your life's legacy. And if you don't know what legacy you want to leave behind, go serve others till you figure it out. I'm sure if you do that your legacy will be even greater than you hoped.

Laugh, smile, be happy. Life is to short. Lets go make the best of what we can while were here.


In loving memory of Cindy Hayashi