Funeral went well

I conducted the funeral for a friend of mine I had known since 1976.  He was an avid motorcycle rider and he and I rode together and he worked for me back in the late 70's in a printing plant.  I was an Asst. Manager in the Shipping and Receiving Dept. and he was a fork lift driver there.
We had a lot of commrodery over the years.  I rode Harleys and he rode Japanese bikes.  He was a good friend and I felt honored to do his funeral.  It was hard for me but, the Lord strengthened me and I made it through, even though I broke down a couple of times.
I strive to make each funeral personal to the one who has passed.  I know some preachers do the same "canned" service, they just change the name of the one who has passed.
Because Gene was an avid motorcycle rider, like I have always been, I fashioned his message about "Life being like a motorcycle ride".  Sometimes fun, sometimes scary, and sometimes dangerous.  I closed with the description of what the Apostle Paul wrote about in Ephesians Chpt. 6 about the Armor of a Christian Soldier and, I compared it to a motorcycle rider.
 
The Helmet of salvation----I compared to wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
The Girding of the Loins with truth--I compared to wearing leathers instead of shorts.
The Shield of Faith--I compared to having a windshield to fend off things in the air.
The Sword of the Spirit--I compared to knowing the dos and don'ts of riding a motorcycle, knowing the Bible as your instruction book for life and, Christ as your Savior.
The feet shod with the Gospel of Peace--I compared to wearing leather boots instead of flip-flops on your feet.
All these I mentioned, will help you have a safer ride in life, on a motorcycle, just as the biblical intention of Paul's writings will help us in our life each day.
After the service was over, there were those who came to me and said they had never heard a message like that in their lives.  His daughters came to me and said that it was just the kind of message that Gene would have liked and they said they were so thankful that I did his funeral.
Once again, I am humbled and I stand amazed how God uses someone like me, to be a blessing to others. especially at a time like this.  To God be the Glory, Honor and Praise.  Thanks to all of you who prayed for me.  Doing 3 funerals in 4 days, is tough to do.  Thanks for your friendship and your prayers.  Both are much appreciated by me.