“…To live is Christ and to die is gain…”

A Tribute to My Family, Grandpa & Grandma’s Life

Life. Death. …It’s all around; what does it mean to live, to die… these several years past have given birth to both joys and sorrows. Our family has lived the joy of life, suffered the pain of death; a daughter, a son, a grandchild was born, and peace and joy befell us all… the storm blew strong; testing the foundations of our faith, and a sister was taken before her days.

The wind blew stronger; a father, a grandfather, a friend was taken. The foundations of faith remained strong and true. A time of peace and happiness befell, new life was given; Zion was a new beginning. The winds have blown again this day; a mother, a sister, a grandmother, a friend is taken. The foundations of faith are tested, but not shaken.

He spoke into existence one man and one woman; He twisted their lives together as one to form a true masterpiece; a family was woven. This family brought forth young men and young women, who carried on His Love and His Grace. Through this bond of love came forth joy and pain; grief and suffering also came. Peace and storms, but they were strong unto Heaven.

He was waiting, as was her love. She was waiting to be taken to her home up above. His Glory and His Majesty prepared this day, a feast, a song and a time of play. She had forgotten how it felt to stand strong and tall; her toes sunk into the sand, as she stood there and saw – His face right before her, the warmth of His glory around, and the smell of the dinner table, multitudes standing around. She was young and perfect, she spun around, but that didn't matter, as she was home.

No pain, no suffering, she no longer knew what these things meant. All the goodness of life flashed before her eyes, and a smile came. Then laughter, uncontrollable laughter sprang forth, but then sorrow and pain struck her with force. She fell to His feet, “Lord, I’m unworthy!” With mercy and grace, “Stand up, my baby. I love you, I want you, I paid for these things, now let’s throw them out together, in this ocean of grace, and not remember this pain. What do you say?” Her mind was wiped clean, these things she no longer remembered, “Now come, my baby girl, he’s been waiting for dinner.”

She did not know what exactly He meant, but thought in her mind, “Where’s my good looking man? He’s not seen me like this for years, wow what a man!” Knowing her thoughts, He said with a smile, “Silly girl, don’t you know, he’s the one who’s been waiting?” As she approached the white gates and the doorway of Heaven, he sat at the place where royals are given. “The place of honor is for you my dear, for you were faithful to the end, now please go without fear.”

He stood at once, as she entered the gates, he could not hold back, he could not wait. He ran with joy, jumping and leaping, with joy he shouted, “Finally, she’s truly living!” She laughed uncontrollably, and cried tears of joy, as she ran, her hands shaking; they embraced and held tight. This time was long waiting.

For a split moment, she had forgotten the perks, she quickly let go and turned with a jerk. “I’m in heaven, sweetheart, with you and God by my side! I had almost forgotten, friends and family!” She cried. She instantly ran up and down the table, greeting and hugging, and laughing, “What a table!”

Oh what it must sound like, her voice strong and pure, as she sings out loud and as they eat at His table, “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”

What does it mean to live, to die? “…to live is Christ and to die is gain…”