Not Long Enough...

Its been one month today since my pawpaw passed away.  Its hard to believe it has only been a month - it seems like yesterday I got the call that he had stepped into eternity after cancer had ravaged his body very quickly.  Although we know he is not suffering anymore and we rejoice in that - the earthly pain we feel will continue until we see him again.  71 years was not long enough for us...

Pawpaw died on September 18 - that date has been a sad date for our family for 20 years.  20 years ago my cousin, Nick, was killed in a plane crash while serving our country.  Nick was such a class act guy, an all-American man!  Never met a stranger, loved everyone and was loved by everyone.  That day week is a time I will never forget.  I am thankful to live in a country who honors the ones who serve and give their all for us. 28 years was not long enough for us...

But, is anyone ever ready for their loved one to pass? No, of course not - there will always be that whole in your heart, that empty space at the dinner table, that birthday card that you can't send.  But, we have hope - as believers we have overcome!  Just as Ecclesiastes 3:2 tells us, there is a time to be born and a time to die.  We should always remember as Psalm 90:12 tells us to, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."  And we have hope if we are in Christ because Revelation 21:4, tells us what our future holds - ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  

Thank you Lord for the years we have with our loved ones and thank you for the promise of seeing them again!