I’ve reached a point in my life where many of my friends are being released from their pain here on earth and have passed into heaven.  It’s tough to see those we care about leaving this life.  It not only reminds us of our own mortality, but we selfishly want to hang onto them for as long as possible.

Our lives matter.  We’re born with little wrinkled bodies, kicking and screaming and we often leave in much the same way.  God gives us this time on earth as a period of grace where can experience just an inkling of what lies ahead.  We also experience emotional and physical suffering during our lives.  We feel the pain of a scraped knee, a broken heart, betrayal, fear and anger.  We also learn what love is and how sharing yourself with another can make your heart soar.  We live through trials every day, but we reach successes as well.

When most of us reach the end of life,  we may become anxious for it to end the pain we suffer or the natural decaying of our bodies, but we all have a purpose for being here.  God has a plan for each one of us and when that plan has been fulfilled, He has an even greater outcome for those who put their trust in Him.  Life here on earth is just the beginning.  What a glorious place we have waiting for us.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me this life to share your great news with others and for your promise of eternity in eternity.  Death no longer has dominion over me.  Amen!