While funerals have been common in my life lately, I experienced several new things today. For one thing, I was a pallbearer for the first time. For another, I saw a military funeral with taps, the folding of the flag and presenting it to the spouse of the deceased. I also saw up close the actual burial process.
I’m always contemplative when I go to funerals, but especially today.
Maybe it was because Mr. Gillilan died so suddenly.
Maybe it was because he was so well-respected by many.
Maybe it was because he made such an impact on my life.
Maybe it was because he represents so many things that a man should be.
Maybe it’s because I wish I was more like him.
Indeed, Mr. Gillilan was a unique man in every meaning of the word. Those who met him never forgot him - I would guess he stood about 6-7, 320 pounds. It’s no surprise the Chicago Bears wanted him to play defensive line for them many years ago.
But it wasn’t Mr. Gillilan’s physical size that you remembered most. It was what you learned from him. Mr. Gillilan had the spiritual gift of teaching, and he didn’t even have to say a word to teach you something. The way he treated his wife and daughter, the way he showed genuine care for all who crossed his path, the way he loved his country, the way he was a student of God’s Word, and most of all, the way he loved Yeshua, were enough to teach lessons that could last a lifetime.
As someone said today, Mr. Gillilan was the epitome of what the Bible says we should be: As gentle as doves and as shrewd as serpents. He was a man’s man, but also a compassionate, caring man.
Today as we were driving to Rosewood Cemetery, I considered that one week ago today Mr. Gillilan was living life as usual. He had no idea what was coming. So what do you think he would have done if somebody told him he was going to die the next day? I imagine him smiling and giving a quick, “OK.”
Unlike most of us, Mr. Gillilan was ready to die. We say that a lot when referencing the death of believers, but it’s usually not true. Most of us, if given 24 hours to live, would be running around “fixing” relationships and other things we should have taken care of a long time ago. I doubt Mr. Gillilan would have changed all that much if he had a chance to do it over again. He was truly ready to go.
Why? Because he was living in the center of God’s will. When you are walking with God, you will also be walking in His will. Mr. Gillilan was serving, mentoring, teaching and studying till the day God took him home. It’s hard to imagine what the world would look like if more Christians would live the same way. What a freeing way to live … and die.
