Today we attended the funeral of a very dear friend, Patty Lemon. When I think of Patty and replay the video of clips and moments in my head that we shared with her, all the memories have one thing in common: laughter. I confess tonight my deepest fear is that I will someday no longer be able to replay that soundtrack in my head. That I might lose the crispness, the reality of it.
I didn't know Patty nearly as long as Brian and so many of her other close friends, but she still left an incredible footprint on my life. At the service today they read one of her favorite set of verses:
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances;for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thess. 5:12-18.
I knew we shared a love of God's Word, but I didn't know until today that we shared the love of those particular verses. I have them in a frame, sitting on my kitchen counter.
She truly was a sister in Christ.
Patty was a woman with plenty of hard things in her life, but one who spent her life rejoicing and impacting the lives of those around her. Today we can rejoice and rest in the assurance that Patty professed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and lived a life bearing fruit as evidence. She can now rest peacefully for all eternity.
So, sweet friend, I first thank God for your presence in our lives, for the blessing of friendship and fellowship and love. And if I could have left you with one more message, it would read something like this...
Dear Patty,
Thank you for your love and for your laughter. Thank you for carrying the sweet aroma of Christ. Thank you for being joyful.
A good time was had by all.
With all my love,
Abbey