Today was the burial day. We had a full service at the local church where she grew up. I was amazed at how many people came to the funeral. For some reason, I was given the first-row middle seat. As I sat there, listening to people share stories about her, I found myself deeply moved. Looking up at her picture, I couldn’t help but think: she wasn’t an easy person to like. I know I often struggled with her, as did many other family members. And yet, despite all that, 60 family members came to honor her, along with so many of her childhood friends.

Even I, a stranger who married into her family, cared about her. She was loved far more than she probably ever realized.

In that moment, the fear I felt yesterday about my own future—worrying that, without children and with a small family, there might not be enough people to care for me—completely disappeared. Today’s funeral reminded me of how the Lord brings love and care into our lives, always in ways that exceed our expectations.

I also thought about our neighbor Patricia, an elderly woman who lives alone and has no family. Even she has shared stories with me that show how God sends people into her life to help her.

I don’t want to live in fear of the future. I don’t want to let those worries take root. All I want is to live my life for love, to care for people as best as I can while I’m here. If I can do that, that love will be enough for me to find peace.

I trust that my Father, God, will faithfully carry me home with His own hands when the time comes. That is the only comfort I need in this temporary life.