Dying is a gradual diminishing and final vanishing over the horizon of life. When we watch a sailboat leaving port and moving toward the horizon, it becomes smaller and smaller until we can no longer see it. But we must trust that someone is standing on a faraway shore seeing that same sailboat become larger and larger until it reaches its new harbor. Death is a painful loss. When we return to our homes after a burial, our hearts are in grief. But when we think about the One standing at the other shore eagerly waiting to welcome our beloved friend into a new home, a smile can break through our tears.
For further reflection...
"The Lord is close to the broken-hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Your response...
How does the promise of a new kind of life with Jesus after death console you?
Comment on this Daily Meditation.
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "A Letter of Consolation".
