Shared with the family’s consent, this poem was read during a recent funeral service I had the honour of officiating.
As an independent celebrant, no two ceremonies are ever the same. Each one is shaped around the person at its heart; their story, their beliefs, their history, and the things that mattered most to them. That can include spiritual or religious elements, or simply the words, music, and memories that feel right for the family.
This particular service was for an American man who had lived a full life, rich with stories and experiences. In the process of sorting through his belongings, his son discovered a poem carefully kept on old American-sized paper. The family didn’t know exactly where it had come from, possibly from his time serving in the US military, but it was clear it had been treasured for many years.
It felt significant. Something kept, folded, and carried through time.
The poem was read aloud during the service, becoming a deeply meaningful moment of reflection and connection for everyone present.
Holding space for moments like this is one of the greatest privileges of being a celebrant; helping families weave together memory, meaning, and love in a way that feels true to the person they are saying goodbye to.
Below is the poem, Heaven’s Grocery Store (author unknown).
Heaven’s Grocery Store
Author Unknown
I was walking down life’s highway a long time ago,
when one day I saw a sign that read: Heaven’s Grocery Store.
As I got a little closer, the door came open wide,
and when I came to myself, I was standing inside.
I saw a host of angels standing everywhere.
One handed me a basket and said: “My child, shop with care.”
Everything a Christian needed was in this grocery store,
and anything you couldn’t carry, you could come back for another day.
First, I got some Patience. Love was in the same row.
Further down was Understanding; you need that everywhere you go.
I picked up a box or two of Wisdom, and a bag or two of Faith.
I couldn’t miss the Holy Ghost, for He was all over the place.
I stopped to get some Strength and Courage to help me run this race.
By then, my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some Grace.
I didn’t forget Salvation, for Salvation was free.
So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.
Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill,
for I thought I had everything I needed to do my Master’s will.
As I went up the aisle, I saw Prayer, and I knew I had to put that in,
for I knew that when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.
Peace and Joy were plentiful; they were there upon the shelf.
Songs and Praises were hanging nearby, so I helped myself.
Then I said to the angel: “Now, how much do I owe?”
He smiled and replied: “Just take these things everywhere you go.”
Again, I smiled and asked: “How much do I really owe?”
The angel smiled once more and said: “Jesus paid your bill a long time ago.”
