Superman’s funeral notice

by Jonathan Krause

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They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness (Psalm 145:7).

Read Psalm 145:1–8

When I used to train young people in leadership and ethical living, one of the first things I did was ask them to write a funeral notice for themselves.

This was inspired by an elderly man called Stanley, who died after being struck by a car near my place. His family and friends placed a whole column of notices in the paper about the life he’d lived – his kindness, compassion and generosity, and the inspiration he’d been to them.

Stanley’s grandchildren summed it up by writing: ‘Fly like Superman, Poppa.’

When I challenged the young people to write their funeral notices, I wanted them to think about who they wanted to be, even if that was not who they were right now.

I was reminded of this when I read the words of this psalm.

Would someone ever write something about my life similar to what the psalmist wrote about God?

Of course, it wouldn’t be as magnificent as ‘greatness’ or ‘glorious’. There’d be no use of words like ‘splendour’, ‘wondrous’ or ‘abundant’ … and yet, could they look at my life and see at least some glimpses of ‘goodness’, ‘steadfast love’ and ‘graciousness’?

This came into special focus for me after spending a weekend with my grandkids.

What example was I modelling to them?

It’s more than just the things we do together – the perfect purple pancakes that manage to flour the whole kitchen … the ‘you-can-never-escape’ knee-lock game we invented … the ‘Tallest Tower to Topple’ building blocks construction destruction distraction … rather, it’s those simple values of kindness, grace and love. Those things are inspired in me by the command and example of Jesus. Not just in the words I say but in the things I do.

When the day comes that my life is remembered in a newspaper funeral notice, what will my grandchildren say? Those who love me? Those who know me as a neighbour, work colleague or friend?

I can never be a superman, but I hope my life will always point to the one who is.

Lord, what a blessing it is that I can come to you in all my weakness, with all my flaws, and yet have you love me and count me precious. Help me share this with others, in all that I do, each day of my life. Amen.

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