Familiar Stranger

I recently went to the funeral of my friend's dad, although I never met him. I walked into the funeral home and found my seat. And then I get this comfortable, easy (sort of) feeling. I can't really describe it. Maybe it was the parlor itself, or just the peaceful atmosphere, I don't really know. But, I sat and listened to people talk about this man. This man was the kind of man who made every stranger a friend. You know the kind... always smiling, no one gets left out, easy to talk to and be around? His life was a tremendous testimony to God. He shared his faith boldly with everyone. He loved you before he even got to know you. He prayed for everyone he knew. Now, I don't believe that the dead linger in this world, despite how many Dean Koontz books I read. But somehow it just seemed like the life and energy that this man had was felt in the parlor of the funeral home - BEFORE the funeral started. Looking back, I know it was God's presence. I've certainly felt God's presence before, but it's usually after spending time with Him. This time, I really felt His presence from the moment I sat down. To live a life like this man did, to make such an impact on people that you still feel the presence of the Almighty God surrounding you as you enter the funeral of one of His saints - I want that.