In yesterday's post, it was a reflection about heaven. I really didn't have anyone in mind that prompted that choice of topic. But today, it seems strangely prophetic. A friend of mine and member of my church died this morning. I found it to be a shocker, because word in the church was that he had some good choices coming that were going to make things better.
But, while there is plenty I don't know, I do know that it isn't up to us.
I don't have a lot of the profound or reflective in me this evening. I miss Al. I was given the privilege of being with his family. The thing is, heaven didn't help too much...at least not yet.
I've been around a lot of pastors and fellow Christians who have their eye on the prize. Their theology, their focus, their aim is on the life after this one. But I fear that can undercut the sacred space of this life if we are too focused on what is to come.
Life is poorer here with Al's death. His family and friends are left to pick up the pieces and try to move on. And while I thank the Lord for heaven and eternal life won for us in Christ Jesus, I thank God even more for the gift of Al's presence in my life.
And I know in my heart that I didn't appreciate that gift nearly as much as I do now that it is gone. I hope and pray that heaven will be a place where I get to feel that appreciation for the people God has put in my life without first having to experience their loss.
I don't know much, except that Jesus is walking with me. I know that more profoundly now when I need Him more. I am not feeling so indestructible at the moment. I am glad God made me worthy to receive this gift of faith. Al was a living testimony to it. I hope I can continue to live in the faith in a way that would make him proud of me.
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