funeral sermon for bill saben

Bill was a dedicated guy. He knew an honest day’s labor. 

Bill grew up on a farm, putting in the hard manual work. Even running the two miles from the farm to the school and then back home to do the chores; only to turn around run back to the school again to go to practice for football, basketball or some other sport.

Amidst all that, Bill even managed to be a straight-A student, dedicated as he was. And when his father died, he even raised his younger brother; Bob. 

That’s just how Bill was, though. 

He wasn’t afraid of hard-work.

It was a skill that served him and his loved ones well. 

After so many years of hard-work, Bill retired. Even then, though, he was always finding something to do. He was always willing to lend a hand with whatever project Debbie and Dwight were working on, or to cultivate whatever was interesting to his grandchildren, Ben and Chase.

As Bill got older, though, his willingness to put in the work began to turn on him.

As his health declined, Bill wasn’t able to do the things he’d always done. And of course that was a frustration for him. 

Anyone who had cut a path in life through handwork would have trouble adjusting to the limits of aging. 

That was a struggle for Bill; and for all you too; his loved ones. It was hard to watch him age, to have the hard conversation that he couldn’t live alone.

As Bill continued to come to terms with his declining health; with having to leave his house, with losing the ability to do different things he loved; it all got to be too tiring.

As you all can attest to.

Sheer willpower wasn’t enough anymore; in fact it even made things harder for Bill.

Those last two years were hard years; and so it is that his passing is something as a gift. Although we grieve today, we know his passing was something of a blessing. 

We can take comfort seeing all the different ways he was ready, the way he called those he loved on his final day. 

And why was that, after all?

Why was Bill so finally ready? 

Why was he so ready at the end, although losing his strength was a continual struggle?

It wasn’t because he was tired, that he finally just gave up. 

No, Bill was ready because of one other trait his family will tell you about.

Bill loved a good deal.

Bill loved going to auctions, he loved finding a bargain.

Growing up on a farm without a lot, Bill was thrifty. He always had his eye out for a sale. 

In fact, sometimes he’d end up buying something just because it was on sale; whether he needed it or not…

Here’s the thing, as Bill lost his health, he heard the words we read earlier, the words Jesus promised so long ago.

“Come to me,” Jesus promised. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

As Bill grew more and more tired of struggling with his health, this promise from his Lord and Savior took on new meanings. 

As Bill lost his health, he set aside his determination, and instead picked up his joy in finding a deal. 

As Bill struggle with his health, he heard in this promise from Jesus one speaking with an even stronger will than his own.

That is why we are here today; to commend Bill to rest in the one who will raise him, the one who will finally give him strength that will not fail. Let us, like Bill, take comfort in the promise that when our strength fails us, God will not. 

Today we lie Bill to rest in the sure and certain hope that Jesus accepts those who are tired and heavy-laden and grants them rest eternal. 

Amen.