A trip we will all take sooner or later.....
They say two things are for sure in life; Death and Taxes. I work in the tax business and right now is our busy time. While I've written on this blog site on taxes, I've yet to write about death....until now.
What happens to us one minute after we die? A question we tend not to think about much unless attending a funeral or sitting by a loved one's deathbed. I have been at the bedside of those in their last hours of life on earth and others I've heard about through close contacts. I have seen those who were at peace and those who were not. Some who have slipped into eternity in a blissful accepting state and others who were hanging on for dear life fearing what was on the other side.
I have attended funerals of those that had a belief in God and those that did not. A big difference can not only be seen but felt as well. Those that have led a life of sacrifice for God and have had an unwavering faith bring unexplainable joy mixed with sorrow to those left behind to mourn. A celebration of their life of service is usually given not one of despair and anquish usually associated with most funerals.
On the other hand those who died without any faith and had no such committment bring much grief to the relatives left behind and is marked by desparation and hopelessness.
Of course none of us here on earth can know for sure until we die what awaits us, but as a follower of Christ I belive we can have assurance, if we believe in what he told us, that there is an indescribeable joy that awaits those that believe in Him. He Himself will be waiting for us with open arms. We have a picture of this when Stephen just before he was rocked to death by a stoning looked up to see Christ standing there to welcome him into eternity.
Just as I believe gladness awaits the believer I also believe that gloom awaits the non-believer. These are two extremes with no midway between them and no transfer can be made one to another. I believe our time of preparation for this trip is here and now before we step into the great beyond. After that it's too late.
I have heard and read about a tombstone in Indiana bearing this epitaph:
Pause, stranger, when you pass me by
As you are now, so once was I
As I am now, so you will be
So prepare for death and follow me
Someone scratched a reply underneath this. It said
To follow you I'm not content
Until I know which way you went.
I look at death as our final destination. Just as I plan an extended trip now here on earth, I plan for this destination as well. Many plan these earthly trips as I do with utmost care, saving their money, scheduling time off from work, buying clothes, purchasing tickets and learning catch phrases of an unknown language, and all for maybe a two-week journey. I wonder how many give at least that much attention to their final destination. From my experience not many do.
I for one intend to keep on studying the guidebook, reading the map and learning the language of heaven as I continue to prepare for the longest trip I'll ever take; my trip to eternity. Unfortunately for many, Europe and Aruba seem more real than the unseen world of the dead.
As I plan for my trip, my intention is to share with others the glorious land that I believe will pale in comparison to even my most elaborate description.