Home, at last

     

     Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the subject of death. No doubt, it has been on my mind because already this year, I have lost a relative, a good friend, and just this past week, a neighbour. 

     Susan, my niece, finally succumbed to her battle with cancer at too young an age. 

     My dear friend Margaret — whom I considered my godly mentor — was recently released from her helpless body after years of dealing with a debilitating stroke. 

     My friendly and helpful neighbour Lyle — who liked shovelling snow from my driveway — suddenly left our little community of Glen Meadows just last week. 

     Have you noticed that the subject of death is not a common discussion topic? Yet, our culture seems obsessed with death, while seemingly having no understanding of its eternal consequences. 

     

     Some may believe death to be more appealing than life, as suicide statistics continue to pile up. I recently read that when the season premiere of, The Walking Dead was released last fall, it had a tremendous following, even surpassing the viewing of the usual, ever-popular Sunday night NFL football games. It is just another of the games and horror movies that fixate on gore and death. 

     In spite of what some may think, death is not a fantasy or a fictional television series. It is the entry into either eternal life or eternal death. 

     The media seek to keep us inundated with stories of tragedy from around the world — horrifying murder and mayhem that dominate the news. I often wish the media would pass along more of the happy stuff. 

     Like last week, a story originating in Scotland was shared several times in the news, going viral on the Internet with millions responding. 

     

     The mother of an engaged couple had chosen to wear to the wedding what she thought was a chic blue and black dress. 

     Someone in the wedding party, said it was white and gold and so, not appropriate. Still others insisted it was blue and black, while others saw white and gold. Who knows why they all were not seeing the same colours? It made light-hearted news for a time anyway. 

     

     Also, in another human interest story, some viewers found amusing the extensive news coverage of a pair of llamas in Arizona that had found their way onto city streets. 

     We surely know that death is certain for everyone. But, we also can know the good news that Jesus, who died and rose again, has defeated the dreaded enemy — death. Suffering death on our behalf, He offers to anyone who believes, "a life spending eternity with Him in heaven."   

     Many moons ago, dear Margaret — who I already greatly miss — introduced me to these wonderful thoughts.   

Think of: 

Stepping on shore, and finding it heaven! 

Of taking hold of a hand, and finding it God's hand. 

Of breathing a new air, and finding it celestial air. 

Of feeling invigorated, and finding it Immortality. 

Of passing from storm and tempest to an unbroken calm. 

Of waking up, and finding it HOME!   

"Margaret, you are Home at last!"



— beulah