Good morning…
It is hard for me to write Christmas cards to my college friends and not have her name on an envelope this year. As cancer ravaged her body after four grueling years, my friend faced the same dilemma of which Paul writes: For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity]. If, however, it is to be life here and I am to go on living, this will mean useful and productive service for me; so I do not know which to choose [if I am given that choice]. But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; yet to remain in my body is more necessary and essential for your sake, Philippians 1:21-24 (AMP).
For the sake of her beloved husband, her growing up girls, and her long list of lifetime friends, she struggled to remain with us for as long as possible. When she reached that sacred threshold, she shifted her weight forward from her left foot on earth onto her right foot in heaven. Forever free of pain and struggle. A life well lived. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21 (NIV).
My friend has changed her address and now she reads every word I write, she encourages every move I make, she understands every thought I think, every emotion I feel. She received the fulfillment of all her desires: to be with Christ in person and with her loved ones in Spirit. Forevermore. Forevermore.
He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever. Then the one sitting on the throne said: I am making everything new. Write down what I have said. My words are true and can be trusted, Revelation 21:4-5 (CEV),
Sue
