As a pallbearer in a dear friend's funeral yesterday, I was escorted to the front row of the chapel so that I (and the others) could exit the side door at the end of the service to help with placing the casket into the hearse.
I have never sat on the front row at a funeral and it is a very revealing place to be. Of course, directly in front of me was an astounding array of flowers. As the minister spoke of comfort and as the family grieved, I stared at all the flowers to help me fight off tears. I could smell the fragrance and see the glory of their beauty. The thought hit me that my friend must be walking in a beautiful garden at that time. I was comforted with that thought throughout the service and even through the graveside service as well.
The Lord answered my prayer for comfort by showing me His wonders and assuring me that this was not a goodbye...it was "until we meet again".
