Six Things I’d Like to Happen @ My Funeral
It's a morbid thought, but we're all going to die. That's a fact. So why not plan for your death?
I've heard people argue over which philosophy is better: To live well or to die well. I don't think this is an either/or issue but a both/and one. I fully intend on living well, living honorable and with purpose. But, I also plan on living well so that I can die well. I can't control whether or not I will live a physically healthy life before I meet my Creator, but I'm going to give myself the best chance that I can and surrender to God what will unfold.
But with that said, every time I am at a funeral not only am I sobered about what this life is really about, but I also think about what I want to see happen at my funeral. I'm no president or celebrity, but I believe that every life touches someone else's--it's just a matter of whether or not that impact is positive or negative.
Above everything else, though, at my funeral I want people to celebrate my life because of what I did for them because of God's love for me. So, here are six things that I thought were morbidly funny that could happen at my funeral:
1. Take My Picture
I've seen this done at weddings, but I've never seen it at a funeral. What if, ahead of time, I had prepared several different photos of myself that could be turned into life-size cardboard cut-outs that people could take a picture with? I know, I know, kind of a freaky thought, but I think it would be hilarious.
2. Skip Old Country Buffet and Go For the Potluck
I don't know if it is a Korean thing, but post-burial everyone seems to go to OCB for food. I know it's a way for the family to show their thanks for all those who took time out of their busy schedules to pay respects and show support, but I thought it would be fun for people to skip the suit and tie and instead bring some food and share a real meal together.
3. Video Blog
This might freak people out, but some time before I die I would like to videotape myself to communicate some key things I've learned over the course of my life and speak to everyone I know "beyond the grave" and maybe even post it on a blog. You ever wonder what happens to your Facebook or Twitter account after you die? Does it just go inactive?
4. Updating Your Blog
If blogs are still "in" by the time I die, I know on WordPress you can schedule posts to appear on your blog at certain times. Just another one of those "beyond the grave" communications things that I think is a bit morbid but new.
5. Treasure Map
I don't know why I find this so funny, but what if I just hid a bunch of cash somewhere and gave out a treasure map at my funeral. Knowing me, I wouldn't really have hidden cash, but used the opportunity to teach people that seeking earthly treasure is like chasing the wind.
6. A Word of Encouragement
Not to everyone, but as many as I can, I hope that at my funeral people would recollect something I've done or said that was of encouragement to them. Actually, I don't think I'd be satisfied with encouragement, but rather, something said that was a spiritual catalyst for them to grow in their relationship with God. What is life if you cannot help someone else come to know the greatest thing there is--a relationship with their Maker?
