A colleague of Brian's died the other night...just dropped dead with a torn aorta. He was 2 months away from retiring from active duty and was looking forward to things ahead. A single parent. NOT a Christian. Brian had to plan a memorial service and I know it was draining for him. I'm sure it wasn't easy to be an inspiration to the family when there was no hope of seeing him in Heaven someday. How sad to not have that assurance.
Yesterday I was reading about a teenager who died in an automobile accident. His memorial was a celebration even though there were also tears. The youth pastor opened the service by saying, "you know that Jeff changed addresses this week." What a great way to think about moving to Heaven--changing addresses! What a difference between the two services! One was a sad, sorrowful gathering, and one was a celebration of life.
Not one of us is guaranteed another day, another minute. I'm so thankful I'll be ready to "change addresses" when the time comes. I"m so thankful that Brian and the girls know they'll miss me and remember me, but they'll also celebrate when the time comes. I'm so thankful I have the assurance of seeing them again someday in Heaven.
Before he died, D.L. Moody said it best...“In a little while you will read in the newspaper that I am dead. Do not believe a word of it, for I will be more alive than ever before! “
Talking about this will make some of you squirm. That's ok. Maybe it will get you thinking. Maybe it will have an eternal impact. I sure hope so!
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