My grandmother’s life was celebrated yesterday. She passed away last week.
She was on this earth for 96 years. Yes, imagine that… 96 years. I think of all she witnessed in her lifetime. From each world war, to the changes in industry and technology, to watching this world change before her eyes. I can only ponder the many joys she experienced, as well as sorrows. I think of the numerous students and families she influenced in teaching 3rd and 4th grades, and in teaching Sunday school at church. She lived a long and beautiful and influential life.
Even though her life on earth was a wonderful one, her eternal life will be even more incredible.
There’s not a doubt in my mind she’s in the presence of Jesus today.
A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10 MSG
It’s the biggest choice of our lives. It’s not so much in how we live the life we’ve been given, but in Who we put our faith in.
It all comes down to a choice.
It’s clear my grandmother did many wonderful things throughout her years. She helped many people, and loved us all. But the choice she made in loving Jesus was the greatest choice she could have made. After her life ended here on earth, Jesus opened the door for an eternity of peace, perfection, and God’s presence. I can’t begin to imagine it all. But my heart rejoices knowing my grandmother is safe and secure forevermore.
Just as I’m overjoyed in knowing she’s safe, I’m saddened for those who choose differently. For those who refuse to love Jesus. I’m learning in detail in Bible Study Fellowship’s study of Revelation what awaits those who refuse. It’s the scariest, most heart-wrenching account I’ve read.
And so I pray. I pray for others to choose as my grandmother did. I pray we refuse to listen to the thief, and enter the Gate that Jesus points us to in His previous words to the passage above:
Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. John 10:7-9 NIV
Jesus came to give us abundant, eternal life. The choice we make today–to walk through the Gate or refuse it–makes all the difference for eternity. Let’s walk through the Gate together. And be secure forever.
With much love,
Julie
Linking up with Suzie Eller and friends today for #livefreeThursday.
Julie- I’m so sorry for your loss. Yes- The choice is as simple as walking through the Gate or not. Your grandmother would be proud of this beautiful reflection.
Oh, Karen. Thank you. You made me smile here. I appreciate your words more than you know. And yes, it’s as simple as walking through the Gate or not. Glad it’s not complicated! Much love to you today, friend.
Thank you for sharing a piece of heart here today. It reminded me so much of my Grams, and how I long to see her in Heaven someday. I miss her so much some days my heart aches. She was orphaned by 10, lived through the Great Depression and endured much struggle in her lifetime. Yet, through it all, what remember when I think of her is the sound of her sweet voice singing hymns… On Eagles Wings… How Great Thou Art…. what great faith. Singing praises all the way to the arms of Jesus.
Thanks for making me think of her today.
Happy Thursday!!!
Megs
Meg, your Grams must have been one incredible lady. What gifts those memories are. I’m honored you chose to share them with me here. I can only imagine the sound of her sweet voice singing those hymns. May those memories bring a smile to your face today. Blessings to you.
Julie, My family is still reeling from an unexpected cancer diagnosis. Your words about your grandma, “Even tho her life on earth was a wonderful one, her eternal life will be even more incredible” really just touched my heart and are so encouraging to me. Thank you for using your sorrow to inspire me, Cindy
Oh, Cindy. I am so sorry to read your words here. I am sorry about the unexpected cancer diagnosis. My heart goes out to you today, as I say a prayer for God’s comfort and peace for you and your family. May He continue to provide you will all you need, right when you need it. If there’s anything I can specifically pray for, please let me know. Bless you.
Oh Julie, Thank You. I so appreciate knowing I have a partner in prayer!