Saying Goodbye - But Not Forever

We got a call early this morning that a dear man in our church went home to be with the Lord. He has lingered longer than anyone thought he would - and we have cherished those extra days.

There are some people that when you are around them, you feel you are a little closer to Heaven's shore - for they know God so well. How we will miss him! - - so close to God he almost glowed. What a blessing he has been to our family - what a strong confidence it was knowing he was praying for us and the ministry of the church. How greatly he will be missed.

How absolutely sublime it must have been in the wee hours of the morning when his soul departed from his broken down earthly body and stepped into the presence of his King. Oh - how welcoming that home going. How rapturous his spirit the moment his eyes set sight on his Jesus! Oh, I wish I could have been there - when God welcomed his tired child - his servant home.

We will say goodbye this week - to our friend, our encourager, our prayer warrior ; but it will not be forever - we will meet again on the blessed land far away. We will sit down, remember and rest in the presence of our Savior. We grieve now, for we miss him, yet, we look forward to our own home going - where we will be united in God's presence - rejoicing together in the Glory of the Lord.

Heaven's sounding sweeter all the time,

Seems like lately it's always on my mind.

Someday I'll leave this world behind,

Heaven's sounding sweeter all the time.

Praise the Lord - Goodbye for Christians is not forever!