Grief is one of the areas that God has prepared me to assist others through the pain. Well, God continues to work on me, however, as I process my own personal grief. Friends, one of my dearest friends is in her new home with our Lord and Savior. This is what is promised for those of us that believe in life after death. It is healing to know that one who passes on to eternal life is in a place designed for peace and joy!
Even when we know that death is an aspect of living, why aren’t we better prepared to say goodbye to our loved ones? Why are we so selfish and wish that we had a little more time with them? Why do we think of the what if’s? It is essential that we spend more time thinking about mortality. Mortality is not determined by us individually, so why don’t we have a more peaceful, satisfying and contented response when a loved one dies? Why don’t we live each day as though it was our last, then there would not be any regrets or what if’s to be concerned about! Let’s live each day to the fullest; live and love each other with the time we have before us; tomorrow is not promised!
May I encourage each of us to have a more faithful response to the passing of a loved one. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are promised a resting place where we will continue to live at the side of Christ where our soul lives forever. The Word of God states that there will be a room prepared for us, so why the sadness?
A place with eternal life with Jesus is worth adjusting our hearts, minds and souls for joy. Joy can have a few connotations. I, personally like the connotation of
J-O-Y as Jesus First; yourself last and others in between. When we envision Jesus as first in our lives, then when time comes for a loved one to spend eternity with Jesus.....we can celebrate with praise and thanksgiving. Can we still be sad? Yes, it is healthy to grieve, however it should not consume our entire future. Grieve knowing that as a believer, you will see your loved one again. We will not lose our memories, but treasure them. We will not lose the past, so let’s look forward to a great future!
Let’s celebrate and treasure the life of a loved one that passed on as a believer. Let’s remember all the wonderful times we shared with them and reminisce with JOY! Let’s keep focused on the Word of God and remember.....All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Let us grieve as individuals with hope for a great future in Christ. Remember......Grieve.....Continue to live with comfort, joy and peace! Pray and ask God to help us make it from day to day as we adjust to the absence of our loved ones! To God be the glory!