On the last day of 2021, I went to the funeral for a friend.
Lest you think this post will be a downer, wait for it. Not for this friend. Simply put, this woman was the embodiment of love and hope and faith in Jesus and the importance of a positive cheerful attitude. As was noted at the service, she was a Proverbs 31 woman, leaving a legacy of family and friends who filled the chapel to remember and honor this woman named Louise.
I've been in that chapel for a few other services. They were always nice in their way. But this one was different. Yes, there was sadness that she was no longer living here but there was an underlying joy that she was now with the savior she had served all her life.
There is a line in the hymn It Is Well With My Soul:
"And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight..."
I knew that Louise's faith is now sight. She has seen...she knows.
We have come through Christmas, and now we begin another year. The Baby has been born. But hold on! The best news is ahead. Easter is coming! And it is Easter that gives Louise's story and my story and the story of every other Believer the heart of meaning. It's the best part of this Story of Something More.
Easter. Resurrection. Life everlasting. Joy unspeakable. Glory.
We walk this life to prepare for our Day of Knowing.
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long...Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.
(Psalm 71: 14, 15 & 18 NIV)