Not Goodbye

As we recently gathered for Mom’s funeral, we remembered how Dad would always say “so long” instead of goodbye. Mom had a habit of saying “talk to you later.” They both knew departing was not permanent. It will only be so long, then I’ll see you again. The faith they both displayed throughout life told us even if that reunion didn’t happen here, it would happen through faith in Jesus. Now they are together again for eternity, and we know we will be with them there as well. Being in the presence of God will be constant joy and praise, and our earthly relationships won’t hold the same significance or importance, but I believe we will enjoy that eternal life by grace, through faith, together.

Follow Jesus Lead Your Family

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NIV

[13] Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. [14] For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. [15] According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. [16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. [18] Therefore encourage one another with these words.