WENT TO A FUNERAL YESTERDAY. Someone asked me how the service went. Strange question. It "went" well---well as could be under the circumstances. There was not a lot of sadness which is usually associated with these kinds of events. Actually it was quite upbeat, and the reason for that had to do with the life of the departed.

Rev. Gordon Overholt was quite a man. He left behind a legacy of faithfulness to his Lord and to his family. Little wonder then, that this funeral turned into a celebration of sorts. The setting was appropriate---the church that was such a part of his life. There were the usual hymns, Scripture readings, and prayers. But what really made this experience meaningful and inspirational were the remarks by members of the family.

As they recounted his remarkable life and character I couldn't help but reflect on my own. I asked myself, "When my time comes, will there be those who will speak similar words? Will my life have been invested in others as was his?" I guess time will tell.

In any event it was a joyous occasion, and a time for sincere reflection. Tears were shed, but they were tears of joy because a servant of the Lord was now home. His race was finished and now he is forever with the Lord that he served. However, heaven's gain is earth's loss.

All in all, I think Rev. Overholt would have been pleased with the service, and probably a little embarassed by all the nice things that were said about him. In any case, it was a beautiful service, fit for a man of his qualities.