S. Burt

Funerals Are Rarely Fun

Funerals are rarely fun.  Yes, there is often laughter.  A few light-hearted jokes.  Beautiful memories bring happy thoughts.

But, no one likes to get the somber text from a widow or discover the obituary. 

Even if the funeral is for someone who lived a long, happy, healthy life and died peacefully in their sleep with no regrets, walking through the doors for the service never brings joy.

Even when we call them celebrations of life—funerals are rarely fun. 

My mentor’s father passed away a while ago.  He didn’t ask me to come to the funeral, but I knew the details.  I had margin in my schedule.  It was 15 minutes away.  And bosses rarely complain when you go to a funeral.  But I skipped.  I think about that often. 

Funerals are rarely fun, but you should go. 

Sit in the uncomfortable pew.  Wonder if you are supposed to say something meaningful or heartfelt.  Possibly cry. 

Hear the deceased’s story.  Be reminded of the hope to come.  Grieve with the family. 

Even if you didn’t know them well, you should go. 

You can subscribe here.

Here’s what you are getting: one email every other Monday morning – a short article on faith and work, plus links to other things I’ve written. That’s it. No more than twice a month, sometimes less.