I knew it was going to be a good experience when the opening song of the funeral service was “Good Morning” by Mandisa and Toby Mac.

The first verse says…

Wave away my yesterday
Cause I’m leaving it behind me
Hello sunshine, come what may
I feel something new inside me

The words seem so appropriate for a funeral. Of course, it is an upbeat contemporary Christian song…and the husband of the deceased insisted that it be played loud—and it was!

I am not sure that I ever personally met Kevin Lofton’s sister, Jenice, but what a wonderful life she must have lived. She was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor two and a half years ago. She was on our prayer list, and I thought about her daily during my personal prayer time.

Kevin and I had many conversations about his sister and he would always update me when there was a change in her condition. The last text he shared with me said it was a matter of hours.

The pastor characterized her as “tough and tender.” He reminded us all that she never gave up no matter how difficult her condition became. He repeated over and over how tough she was and how hard she fought. Someone quoted Jenice as saying “If you stay in bed you will miss the blessings of the day.” What a wonderful perspective…I will apply that philosophy to my life…thank you Jenice.

She was also described as tender….loving everyone. Even suffering with cancer she saw the need to serve others. The only negative thing that was said about this woman was that she once received a ticket for not wearing her seatbelt. The laughter was wonderful and healing.

I left that funeral thinking. Thinking about the blessings of my life. Thinking about the blessings of my wife and what she means to me. Thinking about my relationship with God and my calling to serve. Thinking about the good and positive experience I just had.

The life of Jenice impacted me from a distance. Her cup surely was full, abundant, and overflowing.

This is my story…