My parents passed away several years ago, and when my siblings came down to Ecuador and we all went out to the tribe where we grew up, to bury their ashes, those dear people told us, "Don't forget us!" So we decided not to! (Forget them.) We have been joining and participating in their church services every 2 or 3 months, and being updated on how things are going for them. My sister joins us when she comes down to visit.
*****************
So. Are my mom and dad, up There, able to watch us down here on Earth? Does Jesus give them a big peek-hole through which to check up on things? We are far from being the only ones whose parents gave the best years of their lives to bring God's love and his Word to different people groups around the world, and who now have in some way or another kept up contact and minsitry with them. Do our parents get to observe us and cheer us on?
(We were in a mall during a soccer game, where the food court was packed with people watching on big screens. When our team scored, there was a huge roar! I wonder...maybe Jesus sets up a huge screen where everyone that has left life down here, and is with Him, can see their kids!)
******************************************
These parents are those who, like St. Paul, could say (in Philippians 1), "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far." In His time, He fulfilled their desire!
Having served God faithfully, don't you think it would be fair that they get to be updated? (Although, it might not be so good if someone's work fell apart because no one cared...and then they would be saddened, rather than joyful...so...??)
Please let me know your opinion, as I am very curious as to how other people think regarding this!
*********************************************************
For all of us "kids" who continue, in one way or another, to keep in touch with the people/ministry our parents served when they were still alive, let's always remember this:
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters,
stand firm. Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,
because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
(I Corinthians 15:58)
I absolutely believe they do! Only it wouldn't be "keeping up" in the same way, because in their new reality time doesn't function the same. Still, love is of God and love is eternal and doesn't disappear when a person moves from one life to the next. (And Mom and Dad loved us so!)
ReplyDeleteOne wise person said (I wish I could remember who): "If God is with us, and our loved ones are with God, it stands to reason that our loved ones are not very far away."
Lovely, comforting thoughts!
ReplyDelete