{"id":1905,"date":"2011-09-07T22:18:36","date_gmt":"2011-09-08T04:18:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/iamanoffering.com\/blog\/?p=1905"},"modified":"2011-09-07T22:19:41","modified_gmt":"2011-09-08T04:19:41","slug":"it-is-not-death-to-die-ill-miss-you-grandpa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iamanoffering.com\/blog\/it-is-not-death-to-die-ill-miss-you-grandpa\/","title":{"rendered":"It Is Not Death to Die – I’ll Miss You, Grandpa"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Photo<\/a>This past Labor Day found us racing away from a relaxing visit to the zoo to dealing with the shock, grief, and preparation that comes with the passing of a dear, loved one. \u00a0My grandpa, who lived an incredible 91 years, passed away in his home.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Death is something that we tend to fear, the death of others and especially our own death<\/strong>. \u00a0I can honestly say that I’m not sure if I fear it or not. \u00a0Unfortunately, the thought of death is usually only thrust upon us in times like these, when we’re least prepared for it. \u00a0Although Grandpa was old, he was fairly independent and in pretty good health for his age.<\/p>\n

My mind is inevitably drawn to thoughts of my own death. \u00a0Will I be ready? \u00a0Will I be afraid? \u00a0I’d like to think that, knowing what I believe, I can be completely free of fear from death. \u00a0But I’m not<\/strong>. \u00a0I’m afraid of the unknown, for even though Scripture has told us much about what lies ahead, there are still so many questions.<\/p>\n

My prayer today is that God would prepare my heart, even now, for coming home to Him. \u00a0For now, though, I want to fully embrace Paul’s attitude of living between two kingdoms:<\/strong><\/p>\n

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.\u00a0For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.\u00a0If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!<\/p>\n

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;\u00a0but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.\u00a0Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,\u00a0so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.” Philippians 1:20-26<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I’m thankful, for sure, that Grandpa knew Christ and that I will see him again someday. \u00a0I’m also thankful that these words are a joy and a hope to me and my family in this difficult season:<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is not death to die
\nTo leave this weary road
\nAnd join the saints who dwell on high
\nWho\u2019ve found their home with God
\nIt is not death to close
\nThe eyes long dimmed by tears
\nAnd wake in joy before Your throne
\nDelivered from our fears<\/p>\n

O Jesus, conquering the grave
\nYour precious blood has power to save
\nThose who trust in You
\nWill in Your mercy find
\nThat it is not death to die<\/p>\n

It is not death to fling
\nAside this earthly dust
\nAnd rise with strong and noble wing
\nTo live among the just
\nIt is not death to hear
\nThe key unlock the door
\nThat sets us free from mortal years
\nTo praise You evermore<\/p><\/blockquote>\n