Death

I didn't decide to be a pastor.  

It just happened.

I'm not sure when it

became part of my identity

but it did

Now, after all these years,

I can't imagine any other

career

But there are parts

of this job

that I never anticipated

Tasks I've always dreaded

Painful days

Difficult words

Tear filled moments

For you see

in my job

death is part

of my work

Today I will

be part of a memorial

for a member of

our church, a friend

It's always hard

because

we avoid death

we don't want to deal 

with it

think about it

experience it

but

we all

WILL

And so

today

once more

I will

be part of the story

of one who 

died

Family and friends will gather

tears will be shed

laughter will happen

but will feel odd and uncomfortable

Memories will be shared

hugs exchanged

And then

tomorrow

we

all go back to our "normal" lives

and as quickly as possible

put death out of our minds

But we will each meet our end

we each will face death

we each will come to the end of our days

And then we will meet God

The question today is this-

Will you meet him as Father

or

as judge?

It's your choice

Death will find you one day and the very next

thing on your calendar will be

your appointment

with God

Are you ready?