In memory

Ten years ago, I made a friend in the community. We don't talk often, but I have a world of respect for her. It's always good to see her and to catch up with her. Truthfully, I miss being as involved with my community and meeting people like her. It's one drawback of living in a different neighborhood than my church. Last year, I conducted the memorial service for her mother. Yesterday, I presided over the memorial service for her father. Both were wonderful people, and it was an honor to be asked to lead their services. I never fail to get to the end of a service like that without feeling inadequate. How can you do justice to a life in a brief service? I have never to this day conducted a funeral or a memorial service without being humbled by the magnitude of the task of helping to mark the end of a life on earth.