I returned from a funeral celebrating the life of a great lady. Her husband is a tremendous influence in my life. They pastored several churches in Minnesota, and I have the privilege of pastoring a church they served many years ago.

The celebration of life was amazing as we heard from grandchildren about the faithfulness of their grandmother. Grandpa and Grandma prayed for their entire family every day by name. And it’s a good sized family.

She simply loved God and loved people.

It’s just not that hard. We’ve made it so hard by being bitter against the church, or doubting the Bible, or trying to be more “intellectual.” But it’s so simple. And people knew this lady loved Jesus… and wanted to follow that example.

May my life be lived with that kind of joy.