Gatherings…Our Ultimate Purpose

A funeral is a ceremony for those who have recently left this physical world in spirit and have left their bodies behind. Regardless if a death is expected or not, often funerals are a place of high emotion ran over by sadness of the people closest to the departed. Funeral programs say in memory of, celebration of life for, or in loving memory of the party who is no longer with us.
When babies are born they are brought into a room of happiness, smiles. The tears depict the overwhelming feelings of joy. New born are not only welcomed into such a room but their very essence creates it. In anticipation of a birth, some families have baby showers. Shortly after their birth, some families have religious gatherings blessing the child, and celebrations for their birthdates take place annually. Children have lines of people who want to hold or touch them, smile at them, kiss them, or say welcoming, loving words.
Families and friends gather at funerals to remember and/or celebrate someone who has passed away. Those who attend, create lines to view the body of the departed, hold them for the last time, touch, smile, kiss, or say a few last loving words. During these gatherings, often people who may have not seen each other in years have a chance to reconnect and sometime talk well- after the funeral session has officially ended. Some celebrate in memory of, and some celebrate in happiness of the reconnections made with the friends and family members they have not seen in years, and may not have gotten together if it wasn’t for this sad or tragic event.
In essence, we are meant to be together and looking to love one another regardless of the circumstance. Life has shown us, that love is ultimately our purpose. In birth, before we consciously know anyone, and in death, when we leave everyone, people gather…in love.