We got an unexpected funeral notice in the mail Saturday, for the father of some friends. We knew him, as he attended our church in Salem, and occasionally came down to Eugene to visit his son's church, where we occasionally visit.

He was a great man, and led a Godly life. He never met anyone he didn't like, and was always happy to see you. He had a problem with his lungs, which had gotten worse over the last few years. While in the hospital, before passing away, he told one of his son's that he was in a win-win situation. Either God would give him new lungs, or he would go home to Heaven.

So, as his son said at the memorial service, he has been promoted. Enjoy your new home, Roy.

It is always amazing to me to sit in a memorial service for someone such as this man, and experience the love of those who knew him. This wasn't one of those services where everyone was wailing, and inconsolable. It was instead, a celebration! It was a celebration of a man's life, and of the faith that he had. Yes, it was sad that he won't be among us any longer, but for those who believe in Heaven, there is hope that they will see him again.

The family, and friends, remembered him through anecdotes, and a slide show of his life. They read portions of diaries that he kept throughout his life, and notes he had scribbled in his Bible.

I left that service not filled with sadness, but gladness. Glad that this person's life had touched mine, that I had a chance to know him. Hopefully, I will be a better person because of it.