When my father-in-law died in 1989, he was buried in a plot in Elmwood cemetery which had been in the family for decades. Liz and I decided we needed to plan ahead for our own resting places. Therefore, a couple of decades ago we purchased a companion mausoleum crypt at Elmwood (i.e. a place for the two of us). But our plans changed and we no longer need the mausoleum crypt, so we have offered it for sale at a bargain price. But it seems there is not much traffic in the resale of cemetery plots or mausoleum crypts.
Our plans changed because we both have decided on direct cremation. This means we will be transported from the place of our death to a crematorium and there be reduced to ashes. Our tradition, which we have honored with our parents and other relatives, is to be embalmed, dressed and made up, placed in casket, made available for viewing and then placed in a vault in a plot of ground. After having worked with a funeral home and watching many families pay from seven thousand to twenty thousand dollars they could not afford to provide this traditional burial, I was convicted that we Christians need to change our tradition. Speaking of the end of life, Ecclesiastes tells us, “Then the dust shall return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7) Throughout the Bible we are told that we are made of the earth and our ashes will return to the earth. Modern funeral practices seem to do everything possible to prevent this from happening, akin to the mummification of ancient Egypt. Cremation, to me, seems to be more in harmony with Biblical concepts, although it was condemned by ancient and some modern Christians.
I do not, in any way, condemn anyone who wishes to follow traditions, and most of my family (i.e. siblings and in laws) will do so. But Liz and I have already planned our departure. We opt to be cremated and for the family to have a memorial service at the church where we are participating at that time. If, when the first one of us departs, we still own the crypt, we will use it as a depository for ashes. Unless, by that point, either of us has opted for scattering the ashes (i.e. back to the earth)..
An old saying is true; the only sure things in this world are death and taxes. The only crucial thing in preplanning for death is to plan our location in the next life. Jesus said; “I go to prepare a place for you.” We will leave this old body behind, but our spirit will return to God who gave it. You too can have an eternal place in God’s presence if you welcome Jesus into your heart now.
Grace and peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment