“Too Soons”
Ever since August 14, 2015*, I come back, from time to time, to the funeral for Charles Allen, husband of one of our members, Betty McIntyre-Allen, and step-father to John and Dottie McIntyre. It was such an honor to be at his funeral, especially since he was a Pearl Harbor survivor, where three other survivors were also there to pay their last respects, or “too soons” as they were called during the service. At that point they each individually came up, saluted Mr. Allen as they approached the casket, stood in reverence for a moment, and then saluted one final time before leaving.
Two things impressed me about this man and this celebration of his life. First, for 96 years this man -
served his country well in the Navy, especially on December 7th, 1941, “a date that will live in infamy”;
served all people well while at Lilly working on antibiotics and the oral polio vaccine;
served his church well by volunteering faithfully in many capacities;
served the American Legion well, attending and leading often; and
served his family well, loving them all.
It is impressive that Mr. Allen served so well in every facet of his life. The Bible verse found in Matthew 25: 23 states: “"His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'” That describes this man’s life and transition to eternal life. This verse is what most Christians hope to attain, and Mr. Allen is a good mod-el for all of us to follow.
The second thing that impressed me about this funeral service was the purposeful-ness of the military honors involving the US flag. Everything was done slowly, reverently and in a holy manner from the very intentional and thorough folding of the flag to the measured steps taken by those presenting it to his widow. Everything that was done had a purpose. Job 36: 5 says that “God is mighty, but despises no one; God is mighty, and firm in God’s purpose.” There was a firm purpose shown by the military honors that day. Their good example points to God and God’s great love for us.
As we pause on December 7, 2015, may we remember Charles Allen, and all our service personnel, past and present. May we be reminded to stand firm in God’s purpose for all people, and serve well in all areas of our life.
*August 14 was my mom’s birthday and also VJ Day
