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Hopeful wrote:

..... perhaps a grave can be a stark reminder to relatives and others of just how fragile life is which in turn may help them to keep that "eternal perspective" on things. But, on the other hand... from seeing just how much a grave can in a sense be idolised, I now seriously doubt if it is wise for me to be buried if I die.

I think a funeral and a grave site are stark reminders that life is limited by a certain number of years and after death comes the judgment. People who try to avoid thinking about that are fooling themselves and probably living without hope. In my experience its been good for me to visit with family and friends at a Christian funeral where we reflect on the life that's been lived and find comfort in God's word. I don't know how people without faith find comfort in their experiences.

It would be wrong to idolize someone's grave site but it does serve to remind us that they have lived and died. After all we can't live in denial of that fact and unless the Lord returns during our lifetime that's what's going to happen to each of us. I guess it doesn't really matter what is written on the head stone but it does seem appropriate to reflect on the testimony of the person's life. If what is written is carefully chosen then those who come behind us can see that expression. For example my mom and dad have "Witnesses for Christ" written on their's and it truly is how they lived their lives. When I viewed several grave markers this morning I was reminded of people I had forgotten and it was good for me to be reminded of them and remember how they trusted Christ too during their life here on earth. Precious in the sight of God is the death of His saints.

Here are a couple of light hearted examples of what could be written. I once heard James Dobson say that his mother's head stone has the words written on it, "I told you I was sick." Or an example could be my wife's comments about wanting more children than we were given. Since she loves children she told me to write "My only regret in life is that I didn't have more children."

It's interesting when we think about people who have passed on, how we tend to remember the good deeds people have done and forget their short comings. Too bad we couldn't master that when they were alive.


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts