I often joke with my wife, Sharon, about planning my funeral. Although it is done in jest, I think it is good to be reminded of our mortality. Since the premature death of my brother, Randy, who died of a heart attack at 49, I find myself more grateful for each day. With the birth of my grandsons I have much to live for. I want to get to know them as they grow older, I want them to love me, and hope to pass our glorious faith in Jesus Christ to them. I am hopeful to live long and die strong. By that I mean that I leave a legacy that my children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews can celebrate.
I hope I will be remembered as a joyful soul. I love to laugh and have a good time. I am often told that I have a wonderful laugh. Several years ago we were viewing the movie Home Alone at a theater in Knoxville. After the movie two people I had never met approached me and said, “It was worth the price of the movie just to hear you laugh.” So, I think I’m going to make a digital recording of my laugh to be installed on my tombstone so that anyone who walks nearby will be greeted suddenly by my laughter from the grave. That should be fun to watch.
I recently read that Billy Graham planned his own funeral. Of special interest were the songs that he chose. The music we love opens our soul to be discerned by those around us. So, I hope my family will use the following songs when they celebrate my life.
Willie Nelson’s performance of It’s a Wonderful World. This song is a celebration of the good earth God created for us to enjoy. I enjoy God’s handiwork in creation, and I enjoy the artistic genius of humanity. Although sin has cast an evil shadow on human history, I prefer to focus on the love of God, the light of Christ, and the Spirit of life that renews creation.
I hope that all those assembled to celebrate my life will join in the congregational singing of Heaven’s Jubilee. I believe in the resurrection of the body and that there is a new world coming. With all my heart I anticipate the eternal joy promised in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Next, my favorite confessional hymn – In Christ Alone. The words of this hymn are self-explanatory.
Finally, as the pallbearers begin to escort the casket bearing my body out of the sanctuary I want the theme to Star Trek to be played. This should remind all my friends and family that my journey has not ended; the eternal adventure of boldly exploring a new world has just begun.
So, in about 30 years (I’m praying for a long life) when my wife, children, and grandchildren are planning my funeral they can reference this blog for my wishes.
