**Micah 6:8**: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” George lived that out!
Today we are appropriately honoring a life well lived. And it is right and valuable to do so. When we honor a godly man, we are honoring the Lord. And I know George would pass that honor on to Christ. He would quickly acknowledge everything good in him, was and is, by the grace of God. The only way any of us, becomes truly righteous, is by the grace of God.
We seldom run across a person with such a desire to serve others as George did.
George’s life was a life well lived. An example to be followed.
As the body is laid to rest, we are comforted knowing that he is with the Lord.
This poem by Myrtle Erickson puts it well. It’s entitled “The Homeland.”
“THINK –
Of stepping on the shore and finding it Heaven;
Of taking hold of a hand and finding it God’s hand;
Of breathing a new air and finding it celestial air;
Of feeling invigorated and finding it immortality;
Of passing from storm and tempest to an unbroken calm;
Of looking up—and finding it HOME.”
Although there is a void left here in the lives of his loved ones, God’s love will help us through this time of grief and of change. As we hold on to the precious memories, the impressions that he made, and the Godliness that he lived and shared. Let us allow these to bring peace and comfort in the coming days.
Matthew 25:21 says.
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! …Come and share your master’s happiness!’
For what comfort it may be at this time, I am assured that George was greeted with these words.
Well done my good and faithful servant! And George is now sharing in his Master’s happiness!
Psalm 23
Song; Amazing Grace
The Weaver
My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors,
He worketh steadily.
Often times He chooseth sorrow,
And I in foolish pride;
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the underside.
The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver’s skillful hand;
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttle cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.
I don’t know the author or the title of this poem, but it speaks well of where George is today.
My prayers have all been answered, I’ve finally arrived. The healing that has been delayed, has now been realized. No one’s in a hurry, no schedule to keep. We’re all enjoying Jesus, just kneeling at His feet.
If you could see me now, I’m walking streets of gold, if you could see me now, I’m standing tall and whole, if you could see me now, you’d see the pains erased, if you could see me now, you’d know I’d seen His face. You wouldn’t want me to leave this place, if you could see me now.
Father God, thank you for this time we’ve had to remember and honor this wonderful life. Let our tears begin healing, and our silence be filled with Your presence. Wrap each person here in comfort and calm. Give us rest in our hearts as You remain near. Walk with us in the days ahead and remind us that peace is still possible. We thank you for sharing the life of your child and our loved one Mr. George Stansbury. Be with family and friends as we live our lives here without him. Remind us that George is with You when any discomfort or hurt comes our way. Bless us and keep us.
In Jesus name. Amen.