Today is the eighth anniversary of my mother’s passing from this life to her eternal reward of being with Jesus in heaven. I always have such a mixture of emotions on this day because, selfishly, I wish she was still here with us. I know she is where she is supposed to be, with no more sorrow, no more tears, no more pain, and no more suffering. She is happy, joyful, and worshiping our Lord and Savior for all of eternity.
The loss of my mother eight years ago was my loss, not hers. It was a reward for her. She entered into that greatest of all promises that we, as Christians, are given from God. Once we receive Jesus as our Lord we are promised salvation and an eternity with him. We receive that when we are saved, but occasional suffering and pain may occur while we are alive here on earth.
Once we die, he receives us into heaven and our suffering ends as we are welcomed into his everlasting arms. Our “ending” is a happy one and our heavenly journey has only begun and it will never end. That is the comfort I take with me in the “loss” of my mother. I take with me many happy, wonderful memories!
Psalms 30:5 (NLT) - “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”