Am not a big fan of funerals. I only attend when I absolutely have to, else I just stay on my own. Yet I attended the funeral service of my Pastor's Father on Friday and needless to say it was filled to capacity. A lot of people came out to honour the Preacher by standing in solidarity with him.
In occasions like a funeral life tends to flash bye quickly and put certain things in perspective. The certainty of death is something that hovers around all of us, yet for the most parts we tend to ignore it unless triggered by come rather unexpected circumstances.
Those circumstances are capable of changing our entire life's course, and bring in much needed urgency. We simply cannot drag out feet through life when it becomes apparent that it can be taken at any time. Yet only a fraction of us will experience such moments in the course of our lives, so the rest will have to make do with the teachings and wisdom of others.
I certainly hope for a long and fulfilling life, yet am quite conscious that the sense of urgency simply isn't there. Is it me taking it for granted? I think not. Am totally aware of the finiteness of life. All I simply strive for is the strength to give each day the energy it deserves.