The Funeral
When I was a little girl I always had a will. Yes, a will. I do not know why but that was important. I knew which friends were getting what. And I have had a will ever since. I had a friend ask twenty years ago if she could have "those earrings" when I died and I said, yes. I bet she doesn't even remember but I do. There will be a fight over my shoes! Starting with my girls! I hope to sit with my girls and let them each pick a piece of jewelry and know the story behind it. I want my nieces to have a piece of my jewelry. And someone will get my shell collection that my girls said they would throw away! Now, I know I will not care what happens to my stuff but I do want to give special things to special people. I also have my funeral planned. I did that years ago and updated it when I was sick.
I thought of this today as I went to a funeral for a friend. As I sat there I thought about who is next? I know that sounds morbid but I doubt I am the only one who thinks that. I know tomorrow is not promised. I think funerals are important because people think about mortality. I think it is sad that so many people do not think funerals are important any more. (And I am not talking because of Covid.) This is one time that people have to stop and think about mortality and they get to hear the Good News! Today, I thought about my friend being in the presence with God. That is something to celebrate even when our hearts break for the loved ones left behind. I cannot imagine losing a family member and wondering where they are going. There is such peace in knowing they are in the presence of God!
Heaven is where Jesus is. Heaven is where my Heavenly Father is. Heaven is where my earthly father is. Heaven is where my grandparents are. Heaven is where I hope to meet Mary, Martha, the Woman at the Well, Mother Theresa, Moses, my Uncle Lonnie, the babies who have not been named, friends, loved ones and pets. I will meet my ancestors! I believe the light will be so wonderful, unlike any light we have ever seen! And peace all the time - no stress or anxiety - just peace! Unending joy all the time! There will be no misunderstandings or tensions! No drama! No sickness! No addictions! No tears! No darkness! No death!
Many of the mysteries of God will be revealed in Heaven. Matthew 13: 11, "He replied, "Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them." Think about the trials, heartbreaks, tragedies, disappointments and suffering that you have gone through. I think the story will be revealed, showing us how God used those times, letting us suffer. I believe our eyes will be opened, again! Heaven will be glorious and full of grandeur.
My daughter used to say, "Momma, I don't want to just worship all the time and never stop when I get to Heaven. That sounds boring." I think it is going to be unending fellowship and love all while serving God. We will be doing what we love to do! While I do not know what Heaven will be like, other than wonderful, I do know what Heaven will not have. Revelation 21: 4, "‘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.” Our bodies will be made knew with no aches, pains or sin! 1 Corinthians 15: 42-43, "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power..." And our Heavenly Father will be right there with us all the time! A Christian's death really is something to celebrate and we need to share this Good News! My home is in Heaven, I'm just traveling through this world!