Today we said goodbye to a great man. Richard Jensen's funeral was today out in New Harmony and it was one of those occasions when we experience miserable joy. Joy because we knew Richard, joy because of the man that he was, joy because we know he has gone to a better place, joy because through the atonement of Jesus Christ we will have the opportunity to see him again, joy because the peace that was felt as we said our goodbyes. What a wonderful man and a tremendous friend to our family and to our father. Dad spoke at the funeral and gave a wonderful talk and tribute to his friend. I am grateful to have been there today and to feel of the spirit of that meeting. With death comes a sense of loss as well and that is the miserable part of the equation. I mentioned last week that we had seen Richard just two days before his passing. There he was in our shop looking as excellent as ever. It is hard to believe that he has passed on. He will be missed.
At the funeral I went through the line and found myself not knowing what to say as I visited briefly with Richards daughter and sons. Then there was Susan and she was so strong. What do you say in that moment? I shared with his sons that last visit and how wonderful he looked, how Grandpa was out in the car, how Richard was hamming it up a bit with dad and then teasing Dave some. I always enjoyed seeing Richard. Truly he carried the light of Christ in his countenance and lifted those around him. As I made it through the line and saw him there I was still shocked that he was gone.
Alas this is part of our life's journey. We will pass on. I guess the question is who will we be? What kind of man am I? Am I living my life in such a way that others will feel better for having known me? Am I carrying the light of Christ in my own countenance? I don't know that I can answer these in the affirmative. I certainly have a lot of work to do. Perhaps my daily accounting needs to include a more serious examination into the following questions: What manner of man was I today? Have I done any good in the world today? In considering that I believe that the world in this question can be narrowed to our own immediate world, our families and friends and associates. What good have I done amongst them?
I am grateful for righteous influences in my life. Grateful for those that are men and women after the manner of the Savior. I have met so many and my life is better because of them. Richard was certainly one of those and it is with sadness that we say goodbye.
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