A Special Funeral

It was my privilege to conduct my aunt's funeral today. It was a sad farewell but a joyous celebration of a life well-lived.

There were two things that touched me deeply and I wanted to share them with you. It will be short and sweet since I know you are too lazy to read a lot over a weekend... :-)

1. Fruit

There is no more absolute evaluation of your life than when it is done. Everyone will speak nice words but the content of their hearts will be visible in their eyes. The Bible says this:

“A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad.
Mat 12:33 NLT

At the end of your life the fruit of your life will be visible for all to see, never to change again. It will be whatever it is. You still have time to determine what people will see on the day of your funeral. Choose now!

2. Relational

The substance of your life is your relationships. If your relationships are empty, your life is empty. It will not matter what is in your bank account or your trophy cabinet. Prioritise your relationships above everything else. It matters more than everything else combined!

This aunt of mine focussed her life on people. Her children and their children and a whole bunch of other people. Of all the words spoken about her today in celebration of her life, every single one pointed to her relationships. Every title bestowed upon her in an attempt to honour her was relational.

I was a witness today to the celebration of a life lived well. It was awesome! I am inspired to live my life loving people not things. To spend my time with people, not just doing.

My hope is that this will inspire you in the same way.

@reonlouw