Change of Location

In June of 2007, two men I'd met and been mentored by both went home to be with the Lord. Even then, as I thought about their passing, I came to the conclusion that for both of them, it was merely a change of location, as they both had very intimate relationships with the Lord. Think about it...one minute, he's sitting in his chair, not feeling particularly well, or perhaps lying in his bed, in pain. But both are communing with Him. All of a sudden, in the twinkle of an eye, they're bodiless, but still in His presence! Freed from physical pain, NEVER to experience pain again, EVER!!! Looking at the Face of the One Who set them free! Looking into the Face of eternal love. Looking into the face of NO condemnation! because all the condemnation they heaped upon themselves while on earth was placed upon One other than themselves.

Thinking about this made me wonder what my transition will be like, as well as the transition of others. How many of His kids will be shocked when they see Him face to face, never having made time to look at it while on earth? It could be like all of a sudden being in the presence of your most beloved friend...or it could be like all of a sudden being in the presence of someone you really don't know very well. Could there be a brief moment of awkwardness? Or could it be like being reunited with someone you love deeply, but haven't seen for many years? In one of his books, Larry Crabb wrote of meeting a friend and jumping up and down and clapping with excitement! I've always loved that visual. Wouldn't you LOVE for someone to be THAT excited to see you after a long separation? How do you feel when you see someone you've not seen for a while and they don't particularly act enthused about seeing you? It's a hurtful thing, even if they're not one of your favorite people, isn't it? But on the other hand, how can you not have some kind of affection for someone who is SO happy to see you?

Ah...may we endeavor to gaze on His face now, while we're in our mortal bodies so when they fall off of us, we'll be in the presence of a dear and trusted Friend, instead of a stranger with Whom we'll have to BEGIN an eternal relationship! Warning:  You may be overwhelmed by the Beauty you'll see if you're not already familiar with it!   :)