Don't leave it until it's too late

One of the most difficult tasks I have encountered as a church leader is having to take the funeral service of someone who was a close friend.  On the occasions when I have had to do so, I have really struggled to keep my emotions in check.

Earlier this week I took a funeral service; although I knew the gentleman concerned, I wouldn't say that we were particularly close.  It was a remarkable service because the gentleman's son, two grandchildren and wife all took part.  How they managed it I can't imagine.  I remember that when it was my Dad's funeral many years ago I couldn't even sing the hymns as I was so choked with emotion!

Yesterday I had to take a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of a close friend.  In one sense it was an honour to lead the service, and to share some of my own memories of my friend Denis.  At the same time, it was a task which I knew I would find very difficult.  I am grateful for those who were supporting me in prayer during the service; with their prayers and with God's help I just about managed to hold myself together, though it was far from easy.

Denis was a very keen golfer, and there were few things he liked better than to have a round of golf; it was his custom to go 3 or 4 times each week when possible.  Over the years since I have known Denis he has encouraged me on several occasions to join him in the golf course, and I have been round with him a few times.  Although my golfing skills are not great, and there were usually several wayward shots, Denis was always very patient and encouraging.

The last time he invited me to a round of golf was a few months ago.  We had arranged a date and time, and although it was quite a busy time for me, I was looking forward to the experience.  Sadly, when I woke up that morning the rain was falling (no surprise there, then!)  The prospect of a wet round of golf wasn't too appealing, so I rang Denis to say that I felt it best to cancel, and said that we would arrange another time to go.

For various reasons I never did get round to rearranging that golf outing with Denis, and I know that will have been a disappointment to him.  Now that he is no longer with us, I will never have another opportunity, something I very much regret.  Although it is now too late to do anything about that situation, I have made a commitment to make a real effort to prioritise spending time with friends and family, and to value those close to me.  Good friends are a precious gift; we need to value them, and tell them how much they mean to us - before it's too late.