Holy Moments

by Shelly Erickson

We have all experienced grief and loss in our lives. It is difficult to say goodbye, but for us there is hope.

Over the most recent years I have been asked - invited by people facing death to be with them and their families on their journey to heaven. I recognize God is in this because by myself I would not be able to share God's peace and hope in these sweet, painful and holy moments.

Being with someone who is dying is the closest we get to heaven on this side. It is hard. It is holy. It is sweet. It is all of these.

A little over a month ago, I was blessed again, to be invited into this journey with someone I know and deeply care for. The journey was fast - thanks be to God. Today I realized that I have not personally grieved the loss of this beautiful person who touched and loved so many.

We all need to grieve and we all need to celebrate. So I took time this afternoon to remember all the goodness and to grieve my loss on this side of heaven. Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of my life and I will fully live in the house of the Lord forever.

This week I will take time to celebrate a life well lived. Well done, good and faithful servant.  

As I grieved, I remembered a book by Max Lucado that a dear group of friends of mine read years ago. Max shares a holy truth in his words.

When Death Becomes Birth 
by Max Lucado

You live one final breath from your own funeral.

Which, from God’s perspective, is nothing to grieve. He responds to these grave facts with this great news: “The day you die is better than the day you are born” (Eccles. 7:1). Now there is a twist. Heaven enjoys a maternity-ward reaction to funerals. Angels watch body burials the same way grandparents monitor delivery-room doors. “He’ll be coming through any minute!” They can’t wait to see the new arrival. While we’re driving hearses and wearing black, they’re hanging pink and blue streamers and passing out cigars. We don’t grieve when babies enter the world. The hosts of heaven don’t weep when we leave it.It's important for us to grieve, to mourn. It's also as important to recognize the celebration taking place in heaven. "Welcome, we've been waiting for you!"

-- Shelly

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