“A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.”  Ecclesiastes 7:1 NIV

The little old church, once a one-room schoolhouse, was the perfect setting to pay our respects to the life of Charlie.  The oldest member of the congregation, Charlie was 93 when he went to be with the Lord.   The church was full of people of all ages as they came to say goodbye for now and support the family through this loss.

Charlie never really had much here on earth in material possessions, but he died a very rich man. His legacy in those he left behind; those who truly loved him and those whose lives were better just for knowing him. Each shed tear represented a moment in which he would be missed.  Each shared story showed how this kind and humble man had touched so many.

A good name is better than fine perfume … 

A good name takes time.  Charlie had 93 years to earn and keep his good name.  He was an honorable man. The way he loved, the way he served others and his country.

Charlie was at the little church sitting in his usual chair up to a few weeks before his passing.  He couldn’t hear a lick and had a tendency to rest his eyes on occasion, but he was there in church where he felt he needed to be. His priorities evident.

Charlie no longer has the troubles of this life. He is free. That is worth celebrating!

And the day of death, better than the day of birth.                   

I hope he heard those words we long to hear. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Well done, Charlie.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the Charlie’s in our lives, rich beyond what this world could offer.  Help us to live lives honoring to Your name. This we pray.

For Today:  When that day comes and people are gathered to remember and honor you, what would they say?