Beautifully Slower

I look forward to funerals.  The loss of a friend or loved one is always sad, but to see that person honored by the people that loved him/her most is usually moving.  Last week, I attended the funeral of John Laseter, the dad of Jenni Claeys, one of our close friends.  I had never met John, but Caroline and I wanted to attend in support of Jenni and her family.  The funeral was my first full military funeral.  After singing Amazing Grace and hearing the testimony of several friends and family, there was a salute with rounds fired outside the sanctuary.  Following the salute, two marines made their way down the aisle to fold the flag that had been draped over the coffin during the service.  Each slow, measured step was accompanied by an equally precise arm movement.  My impatient nature would have normally responded, “just get down the aisle, already”, but I was able to suppress that feeling in the beauty and honor of the moment.  The ceremony continued as they reverently folded the flag into the familiar triangle. They worked together, with each marine checking the other’s folds, prior to presenting the flag to Jenni’s mom.   I feel like I learned something that day.  Faster is not always better.