When it's someone I know, it's even harder, because even though I know something about the person, I've developed some sort of relationship with them.
Today was one of the tough ones for me. A true saint passed away this past week, and it struck me harder than I thought, even while I knew his time on earth was coming to an end.
Something that many people may not realize is that pastors have feelings too. I'm not saying this to build myself up - the family today knew how close this gentleman and I was... I'm saying this because I know of colleagues who are bogged during funeral planning and post-care and don't have time for themselves to mourn.
And as we all mourn in different ways, so do the pastors, as well as the people who help with the other work - the folks who put the fellowship dinner together, or the musician, or the funeral director, or the custodian.
Even though October is "Pastor Appreciation Month", be sure to take time to remember everyone in those moments when too many things are taken for granted.
... after all, it may not be the best cup of coffee, but it is a cup of coffee.
