Yesterday we lost (Mouseketeer) Annette, and the Iron Lady (Margaret), but closer to home we lost Billy Ray from Benton. In the darkness of the night Billy Ray passed away and passed on to his Heavenly Father. As I approach my second year in ordained ministry I have said goodbye (for now) to many dear friends who are church family.
As a local church pastor I have witnessed many such events in which wives, husbands, daughters, sons, grandchildren and siblings have ended the day in tears and sadness in the loss of a loved one. Last night was no different, and was just as special when I witnessed true love being expressed by Billy Ray's family .
As I left the hospital this morning, I noticed the silence of the hospital and those sleeping on couches as they waited on news of their family members. While walking outside in the parking lot I observed the first signs of new life in the form of a new day, and the morning making its initial appearance. As I approached my vehicle, the sound of chirping birds brought forth the sign of God's creation in the form of life making itself known.
I believe that our journey to heaven may be the same way, in the fact that the loving arms of Jesus Christ are like a morning sunshine. Beloved, our earthly deaths are not the end, but just the beginning of an eternity with Christ Jesus. In my life I never met Annette,or Margaret, but I knew and loved Billy Ray and I know for a fact that he strolls in joy this morning with Jesus in heaven. Yes, joy does come in the morning with the sun and the chirping birds, but we must not forget so soon after Easter that true joy in the morning started with Resurrection morning.
Psalm 30:5
English Standard Version (ESV)
For his anger is but for a moment
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
