I stood at a graveside this week and watched a family say goodbye to a loved one. It wasn't a sad moment for she had lived a good, long life and was much loved. As I listened to the pastor speak I reflected on all my death experiences and wondered at this great mystery.
There are some who claim to be able to transcend the great barrier of death and speak to those who have left our presence. Others have given testimony to their experience of crossing over into that mysterious land only to return and tell us about it. Somehow I have never quite been able to accept their stories of the life beyond as genuine.
But while I stood at the graveside I talked with one who has died and returned to tell about it. His story rings true and I find myself able trust Him. He hasn't offered to answer all my questions about death or what lies beyond but He has told me enough - enough to remove my fears and fill my heart with expectation and hope.
As I quietly spoke with Him by that grave He reminded me that I can look forward to being in His Father's spacious house where there is a place for me and my troubled heart was quieted. He also whispered to me that to be absent from the body is to be present with Him who will remove all mourning, or crying, or pain. Finally He said that my expectations of things beyond this life cannot begin to come close to the reality - for no eye has seen...no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.
I left that graveside praying for the family in their season of grief, comforted in my heart as I anticipated my own time of death, and grateful for the gift of Life.
I love you Jesus - Thanks!
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