That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
Rachel Packard Florence
Our next door neighbor's daughter passed away a few days ago. She had a previously unknown form of breast cancer. Rachel was only 52 years old. She sang in The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for over eleven years. At the beginning of the service we listened to a recording of Rachel singing “For Good.” She wanted those to be her last words to everyone there. There were also several members of the Choir in attendance and they sang a few hymns. It was a sweet tribute.
She planned every detail of her funeral. I share it here because I want to remember. Rachel asked her best friend to speak and to represent her and the things she had learned throughout her life.
1. Allow for imperfections in ourselves and others
2. Learn to let go and submit our will to God’s
3. Allow others to use their agency and learn to love and accept what is
4. Strive to change for the better … just a little every day
5. Trust in God’s timing and purposes
6. Understand that people change best when we don’t need them to
7. Focus on changing yourself instead of the other person
There were only two speakers, the second was her uncle, her Dad’s brother. Rachel wanted her uncle to represent her Dad who had passed nine years ago. He preached quite a sermon!
He said, “There are only three kinds of business in the universe: mine, yours, and God’s.
Whose business is it if an earthquake happens? God’s business.
Whose business is it if your neighbor down the street has an ugly lawn? Your neighbor’s business.
Whose business is it if you are angry at your neighbor down the street because he has an ugly lawn? Your business.
He also told this story:
1. Allow for imperfections in ourselves and others
2. Learn to let go and submit our will to God’s
3. Allow others to use their agency and learn to love and accept what is
4. Strive to change for the better … just a little every day
5. Trust in God’s timing and purposes
6. Understand that people change best when we don’t need them to
7. Focus on changing yourself instead of the other person
There were only two speakers, the second was her uncle, her Dad’s brother. Rachel wanted her uncle to represent her Dad who had passed nine years ago. He preached quite a sermon!
He said, “There are only three kinds of business in the universe: mine, yours, and God’s.
Whose business is it if an earthquake happens? God’s business.
Whose business is it if your neighbor down the street has an ugly lawn? Your neighbor’s business.
Whose business is it if you are angry at your neighbor down the street because he has an ugly lawn? Your business.
He also told this story:
I pray our neighbor Sheila and her family will have peace and comfort in the coming days.
