Remember, George. No man is a failure who has friends.

Clarence, “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Now and again, God provides a peek into his greatness, love and mercy. For me personally, that day was a Saturday more than a month ago. A good friend of our family experienced the loss of her spouse unexpectedly the week before, and we attended the funeral that Saturday afternoon.

We walked into the church just off a street called EP True Parkway dressed in the customary subdued clothing, watching the silent slideshow of a life gone too soon once we were inside the door. Images appeared and dissolved of a Kansas farm boy smiling wide with his brothers in tow, wedding photos of a young man in a snappy plaid jacket beside a beautiful girl smiling brightly on the best of days, and finally a grandfather playfully interacting with his numerous grandchildren, with still more smiles lighting up the screen.

A mutual friend arrived and asked the folks behind us if she could budge in line, joining us as we waited for the visitation with the family. Conversations happened around us about what a great person Mike was, what a great businessman, great friend, but mostly what a great man he was.

When my own father passed away many years ago, the feeling of cadence and structure kept the process moving to a point where I couldn’t truly comprehend what had happened. It was very surreal and felt like I was walking in a dream (actually a nightmare) and that feeling, and those memories returned to me on that recent Saturday as I looked into the eyes of Mike’s loved ones.

But then, something amazing happened.

Once all the mourners had filed into the sanctuary and were seated for the funeral itself, Mike’s family listened as the pastor spoke of his personal relationship and feelings for Mike and his loved ones. Then, each in turn, Mike’s wife and children rose from their seats, walked up onto the stage and eulogized this amazing man.

With the room filled with friends, family, and colleagues, Mike’s wife poured out her heart to all of us about the love he shared for her and his adult children and grandchildren. One by one, she extolled the beauty and grace of the feelings this man had for each of his family members individually. The special bonds, gifts and love each one of them shared with Mike.

Next his children and a close friend of the family provided their own perspective into Mike’s life. I seriously don’t know how they made it through their memories and kindest of words. I was moved just sitting in the pew, and I’d only visited with Mike a handful of times over the years.

After listening to an excellent vocalist sing both “I Can Only Imagine” and “I Will Rise”, you could nearly hear a pin drop as images again were displayed on two huge screens flanking the stage.

As the service came to a close, I was awestruck at the depth of love this family had for one another. The feeling in the room was literally palpable. Although they had lost a huge part of their lives the week before, the love Mike had fostered over decades had made their grief just a bit easier to bear…together.

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise, I will rise

Chris Tomlin

I pray when the day comes for my own video slide show in a sanctuary somewhere, by the grace of God the room will be filled with those who feel that same palpable love and eloquence bestowed on Mike that early-fall weekend. God speed to you.