Hope in Grief

Death is never easy.  It isn't supposed to be; it's not part of God's original plan.  It makes it easier knowing without a doubt that a loved one is in Heaven, but it's so hard to be without that special someone on Earth.

My uncle Bob passed away on Saturday, and it is a heartbreaking loss for our entire family.  He will forever be remembered for so many things: his service to the community, his compassion and care for others, his amazing wisdom that he willingly shared with so many, his loyalty, his faith, his generosity, his leadership, and especially his role as a husband, father, uncle, brother, and grandfather.

I struggled to share with my close friends that my beloved uncle had passed away.  I anticipated that it would be even more difficult when sharing the sad news with Jonathan, but the response that I got was incredible....

Jonathan: Is he in Heaven?
Me: People are not the ultimate Judge, but I know that Uncle Bob loved Jesus very much, so I'm certain he is.
Jonathan: Well, aren't people alive again in Heaven?
Me: Yes, the Bible tells us they are.
Jonathan: Well, then I don't think you need to cry because he's not really dead since he's alive in Heaven with Jesus.

You see, we grieve because we will never hear Uncle Bob's laughter, see him dance, feel his embrace, or bend his ear for a heart-to-heart again.  Not this side of Heaven.  But those who put their hope in Jesus will see him again in Heaven.  Our grief is real.  Our pain is terrible.  But we can celebrate for Uncle Bob.  Because he is without pain and in the arms of Jesus.  It is so hard to wrap our minds around this because we hurt.  Selfishly, we want him back, but we know he is happy and pain-free now.

And then Jonathan told me that he wanted to die soon so that he can be in Heaven with Jesus.  He has actually shared this with me before.  Many are shocked when they hear this.  I know.  I am one of them.  I want to see my son grow and do great things for the kingdom of God.  But I get it.  You see, Jonathan is a very loving and intelligent little boy.  He is wise beyond his years.  He knows that we are not to live this life accumulating things and living for ourselves, for this life.  His heart and mind are set on the only thing that never changes and never fails - Jesus.

My prayer for myself and all those reading this is that we will have the strong faith that Jonathan demonstrates, and that we will have the goal of eternity on our hearts.