As we get older, we experience more and more the loss of those we love – among our families, our friends, and our church family. We feel increased loneliness. Sometimes, the gathering of our loved ones in heaven seems bigger than our gathering here on earth! The generations before us have gone on to their eternal reward and in our own generation siblings, friends, and perhaps even children have preceded us to their heavenly home.

We who remain, continue on our journey – and at times that is a journey of grief. But, we entrust ourselves and our dying loved ones to God’s hands. There will be longing, there will be despair; but we can respond with a strong “Yes, Lord” to God’s plans for us – whatever those plans may be. No denial will change the fact that each of us will die. No anger will lift us from our grief. No bargaining with our heavenly Father will change His plans for us. No depression will ease our pain. Oh, but we are so very human – we experience all of these!

If you are reading these words this morning, then I am assured of one thing – you are very much alive! Thanks be to God for these days that we are given! May we use each and every day to the glory of God.

Remember, God loves you unconditionally!  He prepares a place just for you!

Judy

Originally posted in August 2016.