There is much to be learned from reading epitaphs. There is a wonderful epitaph on the grave of a Patience Holmes. It is so popular that it has been used on many other gravestones in New England. Patience died in 1845, age 24, in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The epitaph says:

"Shed not for her the bitter tear
"Nor give the heart to vain regret
"‘Tis but the casket that lies here
"The gem that filled it sparkles yet."

The resurrection of Jesus is encouragement to us to believe that even at the end of mortal life, we still will shine.