My Utmost 10.22.08

Today is a hard day. Today I must participate in the funeral of a friend. And as much as I cherish the opportunity to minister and provide for the family's grief, I don't want to say goodbye to my friend, Rich.

I've been at Prince Street Church longer than I have been anywhere in my adult life. I've noticed that over these years, I've become closer with some than others. I've developed a deeper fondness for some than others. And I think that's completely normal.

Rich is one of those guys that I've developed a deep fondness for. Rich was a man of strong faith. Rich labored in prayer, and I know that often included me. Rich devoted himself to ministering to his family. Rich was a faithful servant of Christ, doing everything he could to advance the Kingdom. Simply put, Rich was quite a role model.

In 2 hours, his funeral begins. It will be my responsibility to create an environment which facilitates the healing that only grief can bring. Then, when it's over, it will be my turn... to cry... to grieve... to release my friend, knowing that we'll see each other again... someday.

Yesterday, my reading included this quote:

We do not need the grace of God to withstand crises—human nature and pride are sufficient for us to face the stress and strain magnificently. But it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours of every day as a saint, going through drudgery, and living an ordinary, unnoticed, and ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus.

God, grant me your grace to live this next 24 hours as a saint. Amen.