“Lent invites us to shift focus from the visible to the eternal.”
Do you believe?
I’ve been asked on occasion if I really, truly believe in heaven.
Without hesitation, time and time again…
I reply Yes!
I believe. I believe whole heartedly that there’s ‘more’ than what we see and have here.
Yet, sometimes in those moments of confrontation, despite my faith, the words to offer reassurance evade me.
I mean, how can anyone really, explain the depth of their belief?
So, I try to give examples. I try to recall signs from my life to prove God is real.
I share moments of experiences that cannot be explained by anything other than faith in God.
I believe. I just do. I just know.
Many times I wish I was able to eloquently recite scripture. To quiet the doubt in someone’s heart.
My father passed away when I was 37. He was only 64. His passing left an ache deep in my heart that never goes away. What I wouldn’t do to hear his voice, his laugh or to hug him just one more time.
And I’ll never understand why God called him home so soon. Or why we were forced to experience the depth of such pain and grief.
My Dad was faithful, kind, loving, generous, loyal, honorable and true. He was strong and he was devoted. He loved with his whole heart. And he had a true gift of making someone feel as though they were the most important person in the world. When you spoke with him…he was present, he was listening, and he truly cared.
Anyone who knew him would tell you the same thing.
So, I refuse to believe that someone who brought that kind of love and light to this world, someone who lived with unwaivering faith and built such a beautiful life could simply cease to exist.
His time here with us was short, but he sends each of us signs that he is still with us. Signs that hold us up and hold us together.
With them, I have no doubt, that he lives on in eternity in the presence of our Heavenly Father who he loved so dearly.
I know, and I believe with all of my heart, that I will see my Dad again one day.
So…I think maybe that’s part of the reason why…
Why I believe so deeply…
Because of my Dad.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of my father and the love he shared with our family. I pray You strengthen our faith and deepen our trust in You as we move through our lives remembering and honoring his legacy. Amen.
