Loss and Found

Loss and Found (embraced by Jesus)

Recently I was reminded of the story of the little boy who died at 5 years old and had an after-life experience.  There were times after his life was restored that he had conversations with his parents about that experience that startled them.  One of those conversations was how he spoke with his grandfather who had died before him.  At first his parents tried to explain away what they thought was just his imagination at work.  But then he told them he had met his sister who had also died before he was born. His parents had never told him about losing her in a miscarriage.  Could you imagine their shock?  

Thinking about this story caused me to think about what a reunion in our next life might be like.  It also caused me to think about when a loved one dies in this world how we experience such incredible loss at their passing.  There is now a vacancy here that is irreplaceable, and it causes us pain and grief.  My wife and I have experienced a number of losses of loved ones in our lives, and I think of how I miss putting my arms around them and giving them a loving hug.  But the story of the young boy’s experience also makes me contemplate how our loved ones are now being hugged by the ultimate hugger and lover, Jesus.  It gives me a new focus and a hope for future hugs in a better place. 

Jesus said, So you also are now in anguish.  But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. (John 16:22 NAB)

Though the sting of their vacancy here is still with me, I realize that the loss has been found and there is great celebration in the next world for them.  I think too that there will be a great celebration when our time comes as well, knowing Jesus awaits the time to give us our hugs.  With that realization it also helps me focus on the next world and helps make the challenges in this world less burdensome.  Jesus is that single Footsteps in the Sand we read about in the famous poem.  He carries us today if we let Him and He makes our burdens lighter.  Today he carries us, and in the next world He hugs us with His incredible love. 

Knowing, loving, and serving Jesus as our highest priority is the key for us to keep from becoming eternally lost so we too can also be found in the right place in the next world.  No matter our loss or struggles here, Jesus awaits the time for us to come home and experience His loving hug and expressing to us, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”  So, let us Shine Like the Son and pray for those who have gone before us that they are wholly reconciled and embraced by God and that we may join the celebration with Jesus and our loved ones.  Focus on the Son.

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