the send off

What a send off. There was standing room only. At the back of the church people were standing two upon two. I went up to the front to view the body. He was lying there with a green t-shirt that says "love is everything", a qoutation from First Corinthians. I don't care what people say, he may have looked good but he didn't look like the pictue that was on three screens around the auditorium's stage. He was simply a shell. The sourse of his beauty was his spirit and that was gone.

There were many flower arrangements, some with photos, some with memorabilia hung to them. I could have set up shop with all the blooms lining the platform. God help anyone with allergies. Beside him was a podium with his bible and some batman paraphanalia. He was a batman fan. Some of the attendees to this event wore their batman t-shirts in his honor. Others wore the identical green t-shirt he had on.

The occasion got initiated with six youth walking down the aisle, wearing shorts, sandals, jeans and tennis shoes, carrying huge drums. After they played cadence they marched off stage to the right.

Then began the slide show that filled in the past fifteen years. Some pictures made us laugh, especially the one with him tackling a super huge pizza by himself. We saw him standing next to the roped off batmobile when he was younger. We saw him hugging his mother, friends, cousins. We saw him semi-naked as a infant. How would he have responded to that?

The eulogies came next. Given by his father and grandfather. We laughed at their memories. It was appropriate. We reflected on his mission. His mission was to follow the Lord. If no one was saved during this time at least a seed was planted to grow latter. That would have meant everything to him.

Why did God take him so soon,especially since he was committed to be a minister for him? Did God see something in his future that he would be spared from? What must he have thought as he was running with his pals that Thursday and suddenly found himself running through the clouds to the pearly gates. No time to suffer. What jubilation. He got a first hand experience of all he'd learned about heaven. No warning. Isn't that what we'd wish for all our relatives and loved ones? If he'd been asked he might have said, "Not now, my family needs me and I have people to save and messages to preach." We're never consulted by the big guy. He knows what's best. None of us would want to pick the time of our departure. No matter we know the outcome, we don't want that power. Its done best by the one who knows all. Wait a minute. This was an sermon unequaled. How else to get so many teenagers together in one place? To hear about the young man's faith and hopes. To show each and everyone of them of the urgency of accepting Jesus. There may not be a tomorrow for them, either. If it hit one of them suddenly whose to say whose next? What a wonderful plan. God used him to preach to these teenagers in need of salvation! When they get saved the word will spread faster than it would by the actions of one! God is all knowing an all loving! His ways and thoughts are still higher than mine! He still gives answers to seekers.

After all was said a group of thirty or so youth stood. They lifted their brass instruments to their lips and emitted a touching instrumental. It was loud. It was emotional. This is where my eyes misted. The service was timed so his band could attend. He had played with them. Now their ranks were down one because he was off somewhere learning the harp.

We all walked by his coffin to say good bye. Outside numerous students were hugging an crying and being instructed in time management, getting ready for their time. We only have today,and we're not guaranteed the full twenty four hours. Behold, now is the day of salvation. Don't let his passing be without purpose. Let the seed grow into a Mighty oak planted by the waters of life. That would have pleased him.