By Pastor Bob DeKlavon
Tomorrow would have been my oldest sister’s birthday.
Actually, it is still her birthday, she is just not alive on earth to celebrate it.
She went to be with the Lord several years ago and I think of her often—especially on May 31.
As my other 4 siblings and I have talked about her we have realized that she got to heaven first.
In every way plus more she is very much alive.
Christians speak often of heaven as we consider the promises made in the scriptures.
We were with friends from college tonight who we have known for over 45 years.
As we look at the fact that we closer to the end of life our discussion turned toward heaven.
Paul’s words to the Philippians ring true when he said:
“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
We talk about heaven and we think about heaven but do we really hold to that truth?
Years ago, I read a quote from C. S. Lewis to a man with whom he had shared the gospel.
Lewis said: “Christians never say goodbye—only so long for now.”
I want to get the most out of the time I have on earth.
But I realize that heaven awaits me as it has greeted so many before me.
Tomorrow we celebrate again the first day of the week that signals ‘church.’
I pray that even though we won’t be together that we can enjoy the Jesus Who is in each one.
And….until we get together again—‘so long for now.’