Eternity Is Near and Not Far Away (Bereavement)

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When our loved ones die, they do not leave us. They do not go away to some dark and distant place. They simply begin their eternity. We do not see them because we are still in the darkness of the world. But their spiritual eyes, filled with the light of heaven, are always watching us as they wait for the day when we shall share their perfect joy. We are all born for heaven and one by one, we end this life of tears to begin our life of love in endless happiness.

I have often reflected upon this beautiful truth and found it the greatest and surest comfort in time of mourning. A firm faith in the real and continued presence of our loved ones has brought the conviction and consolation that death has not destroyed them, nor carried them away. Rather it has given them life! A life with power to know fully and to love perfectly. With this new life and new power, our loved ones are always present to us, knowing and loving us more than ever before.

The tears that dampen our eyes in the time of mourning are tears of homesickness, tears of longing for our loved ones. But it is we who are away from home, not they. Death has been for them a doorway to an eternal home. It is only because this heavenly home is invisible to our worldly eyes that we cannot see them so near us. Yet, they are with us, lovingly and tenderly waiting for the day when we, too, will enter the doorway of our eternal home. No, death is not a separation. It is a preparation for the eternal union with those we love, in the peace and joy of heaven.

(author unknown)

I have found this truth to be so very comforting. I have come to realize that the word “loss” is so inappropriate, for we have not lost ~ we have seen our loved one enter and walk through this door, this pathway to Heaven.

There are times when the pathway seems so very far away, but all the while we know that God is with us, always reminding us that our doorway ~ our door that God has created just for us ~ has one handle, only one handle, and this handle is on our side of the door. Shall we enter? Yes! Believe with all your heart that the Lord waits for those who turn that knob, for He is with us, to guide, to teach, to love, and to embrace our wounds, our hurts, and even our iniquities (lest we forget!).

Thank you Father. May these words be of comfort to all those who at times do not understand, for we all have those times. Share with us your peace and your love, and shed your graces upon us this day! In Jesus name, Amen!