My own funeral I attended my own funeral recently. Or at least it feels like I did. And it was great! Back in January, I had major heart surgery. The kind that sneaks up on you and that in retrospect, was life threatening. I didn't think of it much at the time, but sometimes when I feel the lingering soreness from surgery, I think about laying onconscious on a table, surrounded by strangers, chest cut (sawed) open, and a machine keeping me alive. Yuk! But God was good and I have had many encounters with friends in the months that followed. Almost everyone asks how I am doing and I get the praise God all over again. Some very closed friends made a point to call to express their appreciation. A few weekends ago, I was able to return to the church where I ministered (on staff) for 11 years. Again, I found myself the subject of embassaring appreciation. I guess I could view these as living "eulogies." An idea that both sobers me and encourages me. Perhaps we need to talk about death more. In this age of "nothing is truth" and of such great diversity, death is the one true thing we all hold in common. And not facing up to that fact is just plain foolishness.  ¶ 11:25 AM