Will we meet again?

In my office I keep a file of memory cards from funerals, celebrations of life, and memorial services I have attended or participated in over the years.  The file just continues to grow year by year, once again reminding me that all men (and women) die.  I have a card from Theresa, who died in a car accident at only 18 years old.  Theresa had been recently saved and was excited about growing in the Lord.  I have another card for a friend who passed the century mark.  I have one for my dad, mom and uncles.  

As I take time to look through the file rather than just add another card, I am reminded of the life that this simple piece of paper rekindles in my mind.  There is Wayne, who I grew up playing ball with, but who was paralyzed in an accident.  He was a big guy, and boy could he hit the ball.  I remember once in a practice he hit the ball and I ran the bases, circling them twice.  I remember Wayne coming by to pick me up to go out visiting people from the church.  And I remember the distance his accident put between him and the Lord. 

Then there is Clarence, who faithfully taught 6-8 grade boys in Sunday School for decades, only to contract cancer that was so advanced there was nothing that could extend his life.  But his outlook was thankful — thankful for the cancer because it “burned away all my excuses” to not talk to family and friends that came to visit him about their relationship with Jesus. 

I could relate so many, just as I imagine you can, too.  As I look at each photo and card, the only real question is whether I will see them in heaven.  For some, I cannot imagine that they won’t be there. I watched their love and faithful living for the Savior.  Others, I just don’t know as there was no real evidence other than a story about a decision when they were young and maybe membership in a church they rarely attended. 

These are cases where eternity is between them and the Lord, and my observations or opinions won’t be asked for.  All I can say is that someday, when someone pulls out a card with my photo from the service held after my death, I want them to be assured I knew Jesus because they saw that relationship lived out continually, not a story in my past.     

Pressing on…

Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor