Finishing Well

Have you ever walked through a graveyard? I know they are pictured in books and movies as scary places, but in reality they are very quiet, peaceful places. Green grass grows all over. Flowers are everywhere. Even the design and architecture of the tombstones is fascinating. The only unnerving thing about this place is the thought that below the ground are the bodies of people. In all reality, they, the people, are no longer there. 

It is, however, sobering to read the tomb stones, the dates especially. It's a history lesson in and of itself to read the epitaphs. One can see just what kind of life a person led. 

As we travel down the row, we read the first stone which depicts a person, now represented only by a cold grey stone. They led a life of sin and perversion landing them in that grave at an earlier age than normal.

The stately stone representing the city's respected mayor stands near. He was once an officer in our nations military, served on the state legislature, lived the life of a well-to-do family man, and died after a full life of service to the people around him. 

A cross represents the head of the next. We read, "A pastor, faithful and true to the calling of his life, and the flock to which the Lord led him.”

The simple stone representing a loving, caring mother. 

A hard working father. 

A child, passing in their youth or babyhood, due to sickness. 

Can we imagine the life led by a widow of thirty years, someone's Aunt Pricilla, and everyone's grandma, always sitting in her rocking chair knitting and humming those sweet hymns of old? 

Next "Unknown Soldier." 

Lastly, someone you know, Charles “Chuck”  LaVerne Sanders. April 26, 1937 - February 15, 2014. Served in the United States Air Force as a B-52 tail gunner. Worked for the Douglas School System  and was known as “Mr. Chuck.” An active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

A man, who for the majority of his life was known as a “good man,” but is now known as a “saved man.” Two years ago this dear man came into our midst after having read a gospel tract and accepting Christ into his heart. Since then, he has been faithful to all church activities. He was there early unlocking the door before anyone else arrived, and always stayed until the last family left in order to lock the door behind them. A man who sat just behind you during the church service. One who watched you play the piano, and hovered around the sound-booth while you were making copies of messages. A servant-hearted, happy, chipper, smiling man. Oh how we will miss this busy man.

And then, as you continue on, comes the end of the row. There's one empty place left. You stop to ponder. Will it be yours? 

What will be written on your tomb stone? What would you like on it? There’s still time to change what’s written there, and you control what it will say by how you live your life today.

“If we don't live for Christ today, we won't die for Him tomorrow.”

Let’s show the world what a Christian is supposed to look like: whether we’re the grandma sitting at home with her needles, Mama counseling her children while washing dishes, a father providing diligently for his family, a soldier serving his country, a pastor faithful with his duties even when the way is rough, or that dear man who made an impression on so many people. Let's finish well.

Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

Pictures on KinzieJoPhotography