Many people are afraid of snakes and never want to even see one.

But if you are not afraid of something you can look at it a little closer.

That is very true when it comes to looking at death.

Many people avoid the subject of death, even when talking to a friend or loved one who is dying.

Some do not have a fear of death itself, but they fear to die a painful death.

Still, others do fear death because they have a fear of the unknown beyond the grave.

I am one who ponders life and death.

Maybe that just goes with the territory when you are a pastor.

When I was 49, I wrote a poem for a funeral sermon I preached.

It’s an allegory condensing a lifetime down to a 5-minute event in the life of a child.

It’s called “The Ride.”

“The first time I rode an amusement park ride,

I guess I must have only been 5.

My daddy was watching my eyes open wide,

As I started my journey to ride on this ride.

I remember how short the ride seemed to last, And I couldn’t believe it was over

And I couldn’t believe it was over so fast,

In comparison to the length of the time

I stood, and I stood, and I stood in the line!

But once on the ride sheer delight did abound!

As I spun, and I twirled around and around.

But just at the height of the lights and the sound,

I suddenly felt the thing slowing down.

‘More! Again! Don’t stop!’ We all cried.

But the man wouldn’t hear though we begged and we tried.

When the ride fully stopped and the bar was released …

I was kind of glad I was still in one piece!

So I climbed out no longer eager to ride –

Just desperate to run to my dear Father’s side.”

Next Week: A merry heart doeth good

Dan Williams is the senior adult pastor at Lexington Baptist Church.