The final scene is set. The pieces have all been placed. The player enters the stage for his last monologue. It is the last prayer of a faithful servant – the final words you utter in life – the lasting impression you’ve made on others – the heritage you leave behind.
Death comes to us all. Are we ready? Right now, I have mixed feelings about leaving this planet. I’m confident in what lies ahead, but I’ve grown quite accustomed to this place. I have memories stored here of happiness, dreams fulfilled, goals met. I have a husband I’ve shared most of my life with – three children I’ve given birth to – grandchildren and someday even great grandchildren. I have an extended family of friends, people I’ve reached out to and those who have enriched my life. It’s hard to say goodbye to those things.
Jesus spent only 33 years on earth. He gave up His throne in heaven to become one of us. He lived among us for those years, establishing relationships, touching lives, healing the sick and bringing hope to a world sick with sin. In just a short time, His life changed the rest of ours forever. With His death and suffering on the cross, He submitted to His Father’s will, because of His love for us. Those who have faith in Him will never die. Eternity waits for all of us. Our faith, which is a gift from the Holy Spirit, will determine where we spend it.
If I didn’t have that hope to cling to, I’d never have made it to this point in life. All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s expectations. We need a Savior to make us right with God – to pay the price – to die so we can live. Jesus’ life didn’t end there. He conquered death when he rose again on the third day. That truth insures us of everlasting life in God’s house.
What will I do in heaven? I have no clue, but I’m certain I’ll be free from sickness, there will be no suffering or tears, all my infirmities will be healed, I will have reached the final goal – the last chapter. Maybe there will be a job for an old acting coach up there. Of course I won’t be old then. I’ll be able to do whatever God has in store for me, because I will have a new ageless body with energy to spare. Now that’s what I call paradise.
We really don’t need to prepare for heaven, because it’s all been made ready for us, by the Creator of all things. He has done it all for us. All we need do is believe.
“While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die.” Leonardo da Vinci
atimetoshare.me 
I’m sure you’ve heard the story of the woman who wanted to be buried with a fork in her right hand. At church socials she had found that if they told her to keep her fork after the meal, something better was coming. She wanted to be buried with the fork in order to tell others to “Keep your fork … the best is yet to come.” As a child, I remember my Grandmother reciting John 14:2-3 to us children. Because of her repetition, I hid those verses in my heart, and they have continued to be precious to me regarding things to come. I really enjoyed this series on aging. Thanks for sharing your insight and humor!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have heard that story and I know that the best is yet to be. There are days when I have second thoughts, but knowing what lies ahead, I often can’t wait. Thanks for your lovely words of reassurance.
LikeLike
I think we were created with a longing for eternity but also with a love of the “present” I can think of nothing finer than leaving behind a legacy of a life lived for Christ.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have that right❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
🦋 Just by reading the wonderful verse from job I knew I was in for a good read.
Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your sweet comment. God bless your day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I nominated you for the random acts of kindness award. Have a good day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am honored to be on your list. I have stayed away from awards, because my blog was started to give comfort, encouragement and hope to people through Jesus, Christ. The honor should go to him, not me. I appreciate your confidence however and am enjoying following your blog as well.
LikeLike
Well put my friend! Have a wonderful day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely post full of hope🙏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful hope for everyone who knows what lays ahead, thanks for your comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true…🙏🏻
LikeLike
I think of my mom and remember that while she was ready to leave her ailing body behind and to enter eternity with Jesus and be reunited with dad and my grandparents, she nevertheless did not wish to leave me. I think it is difficult for all of us. But I can’t imagine facing death without the assurance and hope that comes from knowing Christ. Beautiful post, dear Kathy! 💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
As a mom, it’s hard to imagine being separated from our children. Even when they leave home a part of us dies. God through his mercy gives us the hope of being reunited through his Son. What a treasure to carry to the grave.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!! ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person