Reflections

Given March 18, 2000
St. Luke's Episcopal Church Atlanta, Georgia

Always Remember Arthur Time

by Chuck Bowling (abridged)

Life is a lot about time and what you do with it. Arthur Griffith knew what to do with it and made the most of it. His way. Arthur time. All of us who have lived our lives with Arthur knew that spending time with him was a special treat.

Arthur showed great courage. Courage to follow his dreams in business. Courage to surround himself with people to make his dreams come true. When faced with news of cancer Arthur showed incredible grace in picking the right time to tell his family - two days after Christmas. He never once complained and often was the source of motivation and inspiration for his family, vowing to beat it and for us not to worry. Once in the hospital he worked his magic again only to have the nurses bidding to have Arthur as their patient because of his courage and humor in the face of adversity.

None of us understand why God called him so early. But knowing Arthur and that he operated on "Arthur time", he must have known God needed him more than we did. There is little doubt that heaven will be a lot more colorful tonight.

We all go through life trying to make the most of the lessons we learn, the experiences we have had. As we all leave here today you should try to put "Arthur time" in your schedule - if you do you will be sure to - worry just a little less about stuff that's really not important - you will take a break from the routine to discover something new - give a hug to a friend when they least expect it - always have a sense of pride about family - enjoy the gift of music - have the courage to follow your dreams - and most of all you will have humor in all that you do.

In the Words of Arthur

By Jeff Lunsford (abridged)

Oh, I have slipped
the surly bonds of earth
and danced the skies atop Yellow Mountain Bald.
Hovering there,
I've chased the shouting wind along
with Buster at my side
and friends and family swarming 'round.
High in the sunlit silence
I now reflect upon my great life with you all.
I rejoice in the magic of our time together.
Take with you now, these great memories
and carry the essence
of who I am
with you for the rest of your days.

I will always stand tall and broad-shouldered, full head of hair, blue jeans and work boots on, atop all those high places, surveying the world and comfortable in my destiny. My destiny, you see, was not to live until a frail old age, but to live so wonderfully fast and with such great conviction toward fun and love that I could reach each and every one of you in my lifetime and implant eternal impressions upon your hearts - impressions of what it's like to live a great life, to be a great son, a great brother, a great grandson, a great friend and a great love. I live on in each and every one of your hearts and you all know this is so, so quit your crying and grieving. I want you to get out of those funks and rejoice in my life - in our lives together - and to tell your children about who I am. I want you to go carve another notch in the bar at Atkins Park when you get the opportunity. I want you to root for the Jackets. I want you to buy corporate merchandise from UIG. I want you to find Ralph a wife. I want you to get on with your lives and to carry me with you as you go.

And lastly, my friends, my family, my loved ones, I want you to come periodically to the top of my mountain. As the sun warms the ground, I want you to close your eyes and feel its warmth on your face. You'll feel the breeze, too as it runs through the hills and sends waves of grass over the round. I'll be that warmth. I'll be the breeze. I'll be the rustle in the grass. You'll understand when you get there, how alive and well I really am. You'll understand - that I'm okay. I love you all. Now crank the Stones and rejoice in my life!

Artie