Recently we’ve had two friends experience a spouse pass away in their sleep. I don’t believe there are words to explain the feeling of having your partner go to sleep and step into eternity, in the middle of the night, without any notice. In the hours and days that follow, the typical words of consolation just aren’t adequate. The one left behind doesn’t need to hear that their partner is in a better place, or that it’s all a part of God’s plan. Those words can come later. What they need to hear is, “We are so sorry”, “We love you”, “We are here with you and for you and we will walk through this together.” In a few days or weeks you can express to them that they will be okay, but not right now.

I am now in my seventh decade on this earth and I am reminded of Billy Graham as he reflected on his ministry when he was in his 80’s. I have become an “old man”. I have lived far more of my life than I have life left to live.  The question is, how will I choose to live the remainder of that life. By the grace of God and the help of my Creator, I want to live it in such a manner as to be pleasing to my Lord. Like many Christians before me, I don’t really fear death, because I know that God has prepared a place for me in His heaven. I do fear the process of death that I have seen some endure. Still, I want to finish my life strong and pleasing to the one who gave His life for my sin. When I step out of this life and into eternity, I want to stand in the presence of my Savior and hear Him say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Have a blessed week.