July 4th

While the rest of the nation remembers our Independence Day, July 4th now holds a different memory for me and my family. It was July 4th, 2009 that my beloved aunt Sharon was tragically killed in an accident. Scott and I were in NYC, and every detail of that day is categorized in my mind as "before" and "after" the call from my mom with the horrible news.

So today, I think of Sharon's family who is left behind. My uncle Gary, my cousins Missy and Alison, and Alison's family, Dan, Katelyn, and new baby Brayden. I think of my grandmother, who lived longer than her daughter. I think of my dad, who lost his only sister, and is now an only child.

Yet even in this sad time, I find comfort in knowing that Sharon was a Christian, and that her short 60 years on this earth are not the end for her. The Bible says that "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved;" (Romans 10:9)

I know Sharon believed this, so I can find peace in knowing that I will be able to be with her again in heaven. This is why Jesus is called the Prince of Peace- knowing Him gives us believers the ultimate sense of peace, because we know that this life is not the end for us. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."

How awesome, how amazing, that we can live and enjoy this life, but our life in heaven after this one will be one that "no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." Wow.

So in that, I say, thank you, Lord, for giving us hope, for giving us peace, and for comforting us in our time of grief. I love this life, but I am also looking forward to the one beyond!