The pastor asked if anyone wanted to share something at the funeral, and she stood up, shaky and brave.
“My dad and I have had some tough times ever since I was a teenager,” she said. “The last time we talked we got into an argument, and I hadn’t spoken to him in two years. Suddenly all those hurts don’t mean anything if I could have him back one more time for one more chance. While he was laying in the hospital in a coma I was able to tell him I was sorry and that I still love him. I don’t know for sure if he even heard me, but maybe it was more for me to be able to hold his hand, kiss his cheek and tell him one more time “Daddy I love you.” In my heart I have truly forgiven my father for all those past hurts and I hope before he passed he was able to forgive me.”
A few sniffles echo in the quiet church sanctuary.
She cleared her throat and pushed on, her voice growing stronger.
“But what I want to say to you is DO NOT WAIT to fix broken relationships. But I also want to say don’t hold onto your hurts and withhold forgiveness from the ones you love, you may never get the chance to mend it. Leave this funeral today and go make it right as best as you can. You don’t know if you have an hour, or a day, or a week. My time ran out. Yours doesn’t have to. I have the peace that comes from God, that one day I will see my father again in heaven and everything will be understood. Thank you Lord, for loving me and my father in spite of ourselves. Thank you God, for forgiving us even when we couldn’t forgive each other, and thank you Jesus for making a place in Your Father’s house for me and my father. “
Because you’ll never know when time will run out. When the car doesn’t stop at the intersection, or the heart attack hits in the church parking lot.
Because sometimes the only time you have is today.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Emma
So poignant. Thank you for sharing such reflective, insightful words.
Briana
Powerful post, Danielle. Powerful testimony. Thanks for sharing.
amanda
an excellent reminder. thank you for sharing this!
Renee
Thank you for capturing this moment so beautifully.