As we gather together today we remember a good man who has left an impression on so many people. This man was a husband, a father, a grand father and even a great grandfather.
We read in our bibles of the importance of family
Psalm 127:3-4 Behold children are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies at the gate.
Why are they considered a heritage?
Children look like us, maybe act like us, and follow after us.
Many cultures considered children the way to eternity.
Today we reflect among ourselves to see the good and maybe even the not so good and use it to better ourselves.
Children are a heritage because they bring out the best in us. It is fun to play with a child. Jesus said we must be like a little child. A parent is encouraged to be better because of his family. We also act better in the presence of our parents.
Children are a heritage because they reflect the relationship we have with God. We need him to take care of us and to guide us. As we see the innocence and experience of our children we see reflected in our own lives our spiritual progression and maturity.
As we gather together today we also see the importance of work
Worked with father as young man as a bridge builder. Joined military with 101st airborne, helped build interstates and even started his a construction company.
Labor is something that is important because it leads to a sense of self worth and accomplishment. It is good to be able to look back on our lives and see measures of accomplishments.
Let us remember today the importance of what we do. Let us always be aware that one day we will look back over our lives and remember what we did and who we were. Let us always remember the importance of Jesus in our lives and how he is the one that we truly must work for.
That man is a success-
Who has lived well,
laughed often and loved much;
Who has gained the respect of intelligent men
And the love of children;
Who has filled in niche
And accomplished his task;
Who leaves the world better
Than he found it;
Who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty
Or failed to express it;
Who looked for the best in others
And gave the best he had.
