A tribute to a life well lived

I originally wrote this, many years ago, in 2007, as I grieved the loss of a dear friend many miles away. Since that time, many others I held dear have joined my friend. Diane, in the presence of Jesus. Though they are blessed and full of joy in Jesus’ presence…

I find that today, I am again grieving my own loss in the death last evening, of another dear mentor and friend, Leota Mether, many miles away. It has been many years since we have seen each other, but her steadfast love of her Lord and Savior was palpable and she longed for Heaven to be with Jesus from the day I first met her. Her example has continued to give me a good foundation from which to build my own trust and faith in our Lord. Leota was our family’s piano teacher, but she was so much more. She was our mentor in how to live a faithful Christian walk. So, I share this piece, Welcome Home, again, knowing that everyone reading it will be thinking of someone that they miss…mindful of the transition from here to there…I pray this comforts you in your own loss…

Welcome Home

The story begins in Delaware. One morning, so many years ago, a dear friend kissed her husband good-bye, left to go jogging with her friend, was hit by a truck, and immediately left to be with her Lord. I’ve written from the perspective of my friend, Diane, and now from the perspective of my friend, Leota, as she meets King Jesus face-to-face in Heaven.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
—Jude 24, 25, NAS

Today, at 6:40 a.m. (Earth-time)

I stepped from your world into the peaceful beauty and splendor of Heaven. It was an easy passing…there was a quietness and a calm in the air as I passed from one world and into the next. It was a lovely journey.

King Jesus was on the Bema Seat. I was not afraid to face Him. We discussed my life and I quietly asked, “but Lord, what about when I…”

FORGIVEN

(In blood red)

suddenly appeared on my hand. “Oh, my Lord,” I whispered, as He stepped down from the Bema Seat. The jagged scars from the rough-hewn nails on His wrists made me weep as He wrapped His lovely arms around me. That simple act of His hug has totally healed me of my earthly experiences. Those beautiful scars! I laid my head on His shoulder and wept for joy. Such love. I looked down and saw the scars on His feet…love marks to me. Such glorious, pure, untainted, unconditional love. I am in the home of the forgiven.

He placed a crown on my head. On me! How could this be? And yet, it is true! Glorious love! Somehow, I don’t feel unworthy. It feels natural to be here. As though I have always been here. Then I remember: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, NAS).

“Oh, my Lord…my glorious Lord!” I fell before His feet. I touched the scars. “They are there because of my sin, not Yours!” He lifted me up, and escorted me – His bride – to the banquet table. “How is it possible, with so many others here, that I feel as though I am alone with You”? I asked Him. Those beautiful expressive eyes drew me closer – ever closer to an understanding of the purity that love can possess.

The clutter of the things that were important in my earth-life is gone. “Life is so simple here. There is love and there is purpose; and I know that You have prepared this destiny especially for me. You have used my earth-life to prepare me for what You were preparing for me – here – after the banquet.”

“I have been healed with Your loving embrace,” I whispered. “Your banquet table has nourished me. I have walked down the path with You – on Your arm as Your bride. Oh, the wonder of it all! Now, You have said that we have work to do – together – in every sense of the word. You have made me worthy to be here and You have proved it by placing this crown on my head.”

I tried to kneel and He told me, “No, STAND before Me…I have made you worthy.” So, I stood…in my glorified body – before King Jesus and He embraced me again, and said, “You have been faithful. Well done, My lovely one. My bride. You are here, not for what you have done in My Name, but because you have loved my Glorious Appearing. That is all that I have required. There is no need for My bride to ever fear My appearing. You were created for this purpose. Your earth-life was preparation for all of this. I often told you, “I have My way. You have yours. Mine is better. You see…I was right. My way is better.”

Then He said, “Here, My love…let Me show you how My Light sparkles through this bottle of your tears that I have kept. Not one tear was lost…and see how they add to the beauty of Heaven—the home of the forgiven.

“WELCOME HOME!”

Meditation:

This might be a good time to think of what it might be like for you your last day on earth. Are you ready to meet your Maker? I’d love to hear your story. Let’s talk!

God bless you bunches!

Awaiting His shout,


Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com