Joy in the Resurrection!

This morning I am confronted once again by the losses my family have experienced this year - 1 year ago today my nephew Joe was ushered into Heaven and 5 months ago my Dad was escorted there too.  As I write about them, tears stream down my cheeks, and I am clearly touching my grief in ways that I generally try to avoid.  I can look at photos of them and just smile at the memories, but it is when I write that the tears flow.  I don't understand it fully, but guess that in writing I am faced with the facts.  There is something healthy about facing the facts, and though I am in pain, it seems a good pain, for I know they are both in heaven, enjoying life eternal.  I miss them terribly, but I am actually a bit envious of their eternal perspective.  They are experiencing the fullness of what we only glimpse in part and understand in part.

I am reminded of two verses that give me hope.

John 11:25-26 NIV:
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; [26] and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

I do believe this and so I am hopeful or being reunited with them both, as well as all who have already passed into Eternity.  The other verse is:

Matthew 25:21 NIV
“His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

I know that both Joe and my Dad heard these words as they entered heaven, and they are now sharing in the Lord's happiness!  I can't even imagine what God's happiness is like, but I know its better than everything good and beautiful and joy inducing that has ever existed on earth.

So, today I am grateful for the celebration of Christ's resurrection in a way and at a depth I have not previously experienced. I am reassured that they live still, enjoying all of God's happiness in eternity.  So today I look forward to the day of our reunion, the day I meet the Lord face to face, the day I hope to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant!"  Yes, there is joy in the resurrection!

Amen and Amen!