A Celebration of a Life Well Lived

 

We’re heading home after having been in Lubbock, TX, specifically to attend the Celebration of Life of my husband’s long-time friend, Doug Moore. Doug’s wife had already prepared us that the memorial service wouldn’t be a time of sadness. It would be a celebration combined with a praise service. Indeed, it was more than that. It was a challenge to us all to live up to our God-given potential.

To express our love and support, we picked up a beautiful peace lily for Susie, Doug's wife of 51 years. Imagine the double blessing we had when we saw the indoor garden area in the church's foyer with a plethora of peace lilies planted there.

The operative word here is "peace". That was what I saw in Susie and a host of longtime friends. I know that peace. It is a "peace" that passes understanding. I said to her: "Indeed the joy of the Lord is your strength." She agreed.

This Celebration of Life packed a punch — of memories of old songs like "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms", that stirred up the sweetest memories of belting out praises to God.

There were beautiful reflections of divine set-ups that brought love and marriage, commitment to God and God's people, serving earnestly in their church. I loved it when the Pastor said, "We're not here to talk about how Doug died. We're here to talk about how Doug lived."

Most of all, I left with desiring to live on purpose in this life because it really is short – in the light of eternity that really is forever, and forever is a long time!

These words were shared about Doug: "Though Doug has always been “a good man”, it wasn’t until he was 29 that he became a child of God by confessing that Christ alone and HIS righteousness are what will bring him into the family of God.

Throughout Doug’s life, he grew and matured as a devout Christian. He realized when he was saved, that God had given him the greatest gifts possible: forgiveness and the promise of everlasting life, where he thrives now, cancer-free.

Doug never wanted it to be about him -- he always wanted it to be about Christ alone -- and others. He knew “For grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) He was a godly man, who loved, served, and gave -- totally unselfish and humble.

Loving. Serving. Giving. That is what all our lives should be about. If you could use a boost of motivation that makes you want to be a role model and imitator of Christ to others, too, I recommend you take on Doug’s love for God and His children.

Perhaps it’s time for us to live with eternity in mind and then potential words of serving and loving will be said of us at our memorial service. Maybe it would create the desire in us to step it up a notch.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16