Die to Live

I lost a friend today. My friend lost his wife.

I say lost because we feel loss. The reality is our loss, her gain. Paul said, "For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain." 1 Corinthians 15 talks about a seed has to die before it can be alive. I don't believe it is ironic that I was reading that at the exact moment my friend Monica passed from this earth to heaven. What relief for her to see the face of Jesus. Knowing that her race is finished and she is in eternal bliss and rest. WOW. That is what we all are striving to obtain one day.

But just as she is in rest, her absence leaves us in pain. My dearest friend John has to continue as a single dad. Three children have to grow up without their mom. How is that good? I don't know. I DO know that God has a reason. It's not to make John, the kids or Monica's family suffer. He doesn't get pleasure from our pain. After my sister was killed I had a hard time believing that. These things don't and never will make sense to us here on earth. I hurt for my friend.

All I know is what scripture says. God loves us. He is touched with the feelings of our pain. And my favorite in times like these. "Jesus wept." Why would Jesus cry over the death of Lazarus? He knew the end result was best. Perhaps he was crying because he didn't want to bring him back. Regardless of why he wept, he did. He understands.

So as we weep over our loosing Monica, we can rejoice that she has completed her time here and she is eternally safe and free from cares.

Home, Sweet Home

Margaret Sangster said “There's nothing half so pleasant as coming home again.” Being gone to India for 10 days sure made me appreciate home. Being sick during the better portion of the trip made home more special than ever before. This trip has made quite the impression on me. Some good and actually some not so good. I am still trying to translate all that I saw and experienced into words. I'm not sure I have those words yet so I am merely posting to state that I will, as soon as possible, post my thoughts and perspectives of my journey.

Again to all those who contributed to my trip financially, thank you. And the same goes to all who prayed as well. We made it home safely and better for the experience.

The picture you see here is of India Gate in Dehli. Looks a lot like the Arch de Triumph in Paris. I had to photoshop it so it is clearer. The haze from pollution is quite astounding. I will post more pics later and give a overview of the trip.