Coming To An End? Not Really!

Early this morning I drove a good distance to arrive at a small house in a small town where a grieving family had gathered. The widowed mother of four is not expected to live through this day. I have known the family for over 35 years, watched the kids grow into adults, move away, have families of their own – and now, return to the old home for mom’s departure for the physical presence of her Savior.

I was there a few weeks ago, and my friend, younger than me, said she was going to beat this cancer. We talked and laughed our way through memories, and shared, unknown to both of us, a final hug.

It is easy to think this life will come to an end – today. But it will not! I know one heart will stop, other hearts will be broken, and we will morn our loss of mother and friend. Life, however, will go on for all of us.

One will enter, as Revelation reveals, the gates of pearl, to inherit the mansion prepared for her by the Savior. The rest of us, a son, three daughters, and a host of friends will enter that unique and mysterious arena where memories are savored, moments of history are re-lived, and llove reconstructs to compensate for the lack of tactile and sensual capabilities.

This is not the end, for anyone – only a change in direction, a transition, a movement from one dimension to another. While we rightfully weep we hinder the comfort which is ours for the taking. When the darkness lifts, there is the Sonrise of understanding contained in the knowledge that Jesus Christ experienced these moments that we might know a peace surpassing our understanding, a consummate, abiding joy, and life with out end.