An unimaginable Joy

9 years ago on today I watched as my two friends prepared to spend the rest of their lives together. The joy and excitement was somewhat overwhelming. The adventure that would begin the following morning would prevent sleep that night and made me want to hold on so tight to the young adulthood that was about to leave our lives as Erika and Rob prepared to "grow up." Our long weekly nights of scrabble and ER would be replaced by phone calls and yearly Christmas Cards. Life would never be the same... I remember the next morning looking at her and being amazed at the glow that was in her face as if her heart was so filled it was bursting at the seams.

I imagine that is similar to the scene when those in Heaven prepare to welcome a new member. I imagine that when Erika entered those gates that she was met with that joy. We tend to think of death as a sad event and to us here on earth it is. We will so badly miss the one who is leaving. Our heart aches from the pain of know they are somewhere we can no longer reach no matter how hard we try, until it is our time to enter the gates of Heaven. But to think of the excitement and joy that Heaven has for each person who enters into the presence of our Lord makes me realize death is not so sad but more hopeful. The hope that one day there will be no more uncertainty, no more sorrow, no more grief, only joy and thanksgiving.

Right now the Lord is preparing to welcome and incredible man that the Lord has allowed me to know. A man who's smile would light up a room and who's quick whit would make you laugh till your sides hurt. I think about Erika, and Bryce. Of my grandfather who will have a new friend. Of his grandson that he will once again be united with. Soon these people too will have the chance to meet and worship with him. I know that the pain of loosing someone is something none of us want. It is a pain like no other. But I have to admit there is a part of me that finds great peace in knowing that although it is a sadness to us here on earth, it is a celebration in Heavenly realm. I imagine we will not fully understand until we are there but for today I will think back to the look on my best friend's face as she prepared for the happiest day of her life here on earth. That is the joy I cling to.