Mark Katrick faith column: Chatting with God to and from funerals offers quiet reflection

“Can we park your car, Pastor, and will you be riding with us?”

For the past four decades and a couple of years, that’s what the kind and accommodating employees of funeral homes, near and far, have asked me.

When the same question was posed at a recent service and committal, I chose to drive my own vehicle. So they placed me fourth in line for the procession. By the end of this very busy day, I had put 152 miles on my Toyota Corolla. This included getting hopelessly lost on a country road on my way to the service because I DIDN’T NEED MY DIRECTION FINDER.

Mark Katrick faith column: Here are 5 not-too-spicy devotionals to order from faith menu

I’ve always enjoyed getting to know and having good conversations with funeral directors to and from the cemeteries. But there are benefits to going it alone — like extended time for prayer with the Holy One.

As much as I love to crank up SiriusXM, my radio stays turned off, so I can tune into the still small voice. Along the way, words are streamed from God’s heart to mine, to be shared with grieving family members and friends.

Tucked in and among the convoy with my flashing lights, I felt “safe and secure from all alarms, leaning on the everlasting arms,” (as the hymn says). Since our average speed was 40 miles per hour, I was able to slow down and enjoy the view, as the scenic hills of Southeastern were alive with their spring blossoms and buds.

It was the day after Easter, when we’re feeling our most fully alive and all fresh and new. Miracles, big, small and in-between, are happening each and every day.

Mark Katrick faith column: Reconnecting with classmates three years after 50th reunion

In this rapidly changing world, some things never change.

God’s beloved still pass away and are reborn to the life eternal. Loved ones who are ill still get better. And as much of a hurry as we’re in these days, we still slow down, pull our cars over and pay respects for a brother or sister who has “gone home.”

When I finally got turned around in the right direction and arrived at my destination, a staff member at the funeral home commented about all the mud on my tires. With all the bright, shining, freshly washed cars that were lined up, I wondered aloud whether they’d even want to include mine with the others.

With a smile, he replied, “Don’t worry about it. God has a way of taking care of things.”

So when it was time to leave for the cemetery, I found my car rinsed off and looking all fresh and new. Was it the miracle of a passing shower? Or was it someone with a hose? Either way, God had indeed “taken care of things.”

Mark Katrick is a pastor and spiritual guide.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Mark Katrick faith column: Conversing with God to and from funerals