The Promise of Heaven

Author Sandra Aldrich writes about her children’s first experience with a visitation at a funeral home. Her youngest stared at the casket and asked “is she breathing?” The older child quickly answered, “No, she’s not breathing. Remember? The breathin’ part’s in heaven.”

This little story gives me comfort today as we learn of yet another death among our membership at Peace. A believer now has his “breathin’ part” in heaven. Left behind are those who loved him dearly, hurting and stunned, but also clinging to the assurance of Easter, the assurance that He is now breathin’ with
Jesus.

Your soul, your “breathin’ part” isn’t in heaven yet. It’s here for now. Discouragements, set backs, broken relationships, and struggles of all kinds bring us down. It is so easy to forget the hope that is ours in Easter. Life is hard, but God is good and He promises us the crown of eternal life. The promise of heaven can strengthen our difficult days and help us smile, knowing that we aren’t Home yet, but that wonderful day is coming for each of us. Jesus said to Martha: “I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Polly Wegner, DCE
Director of Discipleship
pwegner@peacelutheran.net