Mortality Check

I went to a funeral today. I've known this family for almost 30 years. They supported me as a teen with odd jobs and lawn cutting and as an adult with electrical work on their home. I have many fond memories of the fun I had with their kids and the rest of the kids in the neighborhood as we were growing up. This husband of one wife for 51 years, father of three grown adults and grandfather to 7 grandchildren will be greatly missed. He was 75 and had been on a gradual decline over the last 15 years with the last 4 being very difficult. He died, mercifully, in his sleep.
Each of his children participated in the ceremony, but only the son spoke from his heart (the daughters read scripture). He related a couple of stories growing up and confirmed to the congregants that his dad was a Believer. Praise the Lord for that blessing.
My own father spoke at the funeral. They were good friends who counted on one another over the years. I'd say that was the tear jerker portion of the ceremony. My dad just celebrated his 76th birthday. This brings me to my point.

I'm not ready to speak at my father's funeral. I cannot imagine him not being around. But I know it will happen sometime in the next 10-15 years (I'm being optimistic here). I feel like I barely know my dad and yet I know him so well because I am a lot like him. I guess this is my reminder to prepare for life without him. I'm glad I have some time left, but I must make sure I don't take it for granted.

I want to take some time with dad and confirm that he has accepted Christ. I want to let him know how much I love and appreciate him. Same goes for my mom. I want them to know that they have a huge legacy. Pray that I will take the steps necessary to communicate my love and concern for their eternity with grace. I have always struggled with stepping too heavily when around family. The Lord moves in spite of me most times. I'm thankful that he doesn't need me to accomplish His work, but grateful that He redeems my efforts for His glory.

I've had a few friends who've lost their father in the last year or so. Two in the last month. I hope I can be a help to them as they procede through the grieving process. Definately gives me something to pray about.

I also need to make sure my affairs are in order so that my kids don't have a lot of hassle relating to my death. Wills, medical directives, etc. All the hard stuff to do that's so easy to put off. I want to encourage my readers to take this step as well. No matter what your age, it is important to let your wishes be known. You can always update your documents if you change things in your life later on.

That's all I have time for right now. Enough to chew on I think...