Death has been on my mind a lot lately. Some of it stems from me being more aware of my own mortality the older I've gotten. But also, my elderly parents are both in their 80s and don't have many years left. It's not easy coming to grips that one day they won't be here. It's not something I'm looking forward to. And yet, it's inevitable, and there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. The reality is, everything in this life is temporal. The only thing left is acceptance.
Perhaps what is needed is a change in perspective. As Christians, we believe death is not the end; it's only the beginning. We have only ever experienced a one-sided view of death. We are left with the remains and the sorrow. If only we could get a glimpse of the other side. As sad as it will be to see my parents die, it will be their best day ever. They will be reunited with friends and family who have gone on before them and will never again have to deal with the trials and tribulations of this life. Pleasures evermore. As Paul said, to die is to gain.
Still, that knowledge doesn't make it any easier here on earth. I look forward to the day when death is finally defeated. Never again will we have to taste its sting. What a glorious day that will be! Perhaps in eternity, in the eons of time, we will look back at this life and it will all seem like a dream. All the pain and sorrow will be forgotten. That will truly be paradise.
Perhaps what is needed is a change in perspective. As Christians, we believe death is not the end; it's only the beginning. We have only ever experienced a one-sided view of death. We are left with the remains and the sorrow. If only we could get a glimpse of the other side. As sad as it will be to see my parents die, it will be their best day ever. They will be reunited with friends and family who have gone on before them and will never again have to deal with the trials and tribulations of this life. Pleasures evermore. As Paul said, to die is to gain.
Still, that knowledge doesn't make it any easier here on earth. I look forward to the day when death is finally defeated. Never again will we have to taste its sting. What a glorious day that will be! Perhaps in eternity, in the eons of time, we will look back at this life and it will all seem like a dream. All the pain and sorrow will be forgotten. That will truly be paradise.
