A Funeral Wake-Up Call
Last week, I attended my first funeral in Wales, and despite being warned of what to expect, I walked out of the chapel feeling utterly devastated. The experience left me with a heaviness I hadn't anticipated.
I understand that funerals are occasions of sadness and mourning, and for that reason, I typically avoid them as much as possible. But this one affected me differently than I expected. What saddened me most? Was it the crowd of people waiting outside the chapel, not because there wasn't room but rather because they refused to step foot inside the actual building? Or was it the minister who presented the message that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God; therefore, we can rejoice that we will all be reunited in Heaven?
No wonder it's so difficult to reach these people with the gospel!
The Narrow Gate
The other night, I was propped up in the bed, enjoying a cup of tea and a good book, when I heard a strange noise coming from the entryway. At first, I thought it was just the wind, but as the noise continued, I realized it was something else entirely.
I got up to investigate and found one of our sparrows fluttering around in a panic. She had somehow managed to fly into the entryway through a small opening in the sliding glass door, but now she couldn't find her way back out. She kept flying into the glass, over and over again, in a desperate attempt to escape.
As I watched her, I couldn't help but feel sadness and frustration. This poor little bird was trapped in a prison of her own making, unable to see the way to freedom that was right in front of her.