Another funeral

I did another funeral Monday.  It was for a 72 year old man that I don't remember if I had ever met him or not.  He was never married, took care of his parents till they died.  He was a farmer and had 2 sisters that both live away from where he did.  The local funeral home called me due to his sisters not knowing any Pastors in this area.
I am thankful that people have faith in me to preach funerals and even those who don't know me, trust the funeral director's advice.  Funerals take a toll on me since my son's death in 2005 and when I get a lot of funerals in a row, it really starts to rattle me.  I see the sadness and loss.  I see the tears and I know that hurt and loss that they feel.
I am however blessed by God to be able to have the compassion and love for people .  This is what gets me though times like this.  I write all my funerals messages to be personal.  I know that the deceased destiny in eternity is in the Lord's hands but, I preach comfort to the bereaved and I uplift Jesus as the great comforter and the Prince of Peace.  Non-believers have even came to me and thanked me for the words I have said but, I strive to touch the hearts of those who do believe and to those whose hearts are tender for the message of God's love and saving grace.  I am just a sower of the seed.  God gives the increase.